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HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Lao Tsu
Ancient Chinese philosopher
600 BC
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Spring is only 34 days away!
Hope springs eternal!
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PRESIDENTS' DAY is
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018.
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As most long-time Murray residents know, the biggest 4th of July celebration in Cass County has taken place right here in our village. For many years, lots of different folks volunteered to help put on this much-anticipated event. This dedicated group of people was called the "July 4th Association". Then, in 2015, the group became a full-fledged non-profit organization and the volunteer members voted on changing the name to "Murray Freedom Festival".
Each year, on Independence Day, a parade winds its way down Young Street with the Grand Marshal leading the way. The Grand Marshal is chosen and voted on by names submitted to the committee. A plaque was donated to Town Hall many years ago, so the names of each year's grand marshal could be listed prominently on its small red metal nameplates. Proudly hanging right inside the door at Town Hall for many years, the plaque slowly became filled with names of many area folks who'd been recognized during the many celebrations.
Thanks to the kindness of Murray resident, Jeff Olson, who made a beautiful, oak plaque and donated it to the MFF, the tradition of posting the Grand Marshals' names will continue. You'll notice there are 39 nameplates on the new plaque, with 3 names already applied, starting with Chris Spangler, 2015; Dale Nickels, 2016; and Kay Shields, 2017. These names were attached to the new plaque, since 2015 was when the newly-formed MFF started.
So start thinking of who you'd like to nominate from Murray or the surrounding area, for this year's Grand Marshal. This person could be your awesome neighbor, someone you know who quietly does kind things for others, a co-worker, teacher, business person, or someone who you think deserves to be recognized. Nominations are usually due by the first meeting in June.
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Remember when you're in town next time, stop in Town Hall to check out both of the plaques and keep up-to-date with what's happening on the Festival website at www.murrayfreedomfestivalne.com. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send an emai to murrayfreedomfestival@gmail.com.
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YOU WOULDN'T BE READING THIS RIGHT NOW...
if not for the support of our sponsors. At the top of each and every Newsletter, and listed at the bottom, are the businesses who help to bring you all the information you look forward to seeing each week. If not for them, there wouldn't be a 'Murray Newsletter', or any of the other Nebraska Community Website Newsletters for our surrounding area.
If you are a business owner and would like to contribute to supporting this worthwhile effort, please contact our website owners for more information here, and tell them your Murray editor, Pat, sent you.
Also, pass the good things forward. Please thank the sponsors who support us and share this Newsletter with your friends and family. It's good karma!
We LOVE our sponsors and thank them for their continued support!
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Entries must be postmarked by March 2, 2018.
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Register your garage sale here, for area-wide,
FREE ADVERTISING,
courtesy of Nebraska Community Website Project,
who also brings you this weekly Newsletter!
February 24 - Midnight Wanders Band
March 10 - Elaine Behrends & Friends
** SUNDAY, March 25 - FREE ADMISSION! Gospel Show
March 31 - Kathy Dovel & Friends
*** 2 PM SHOW! April 7 - Cornhusker Jammers Show, (NOT a jam session)
April 14 - Jeanette Hill & August Moon Band
April 28 - Rayne Magill & Friends
May 12 - Down Home Band, Fred & Dorothy Techau & Friends
May 26 - Bill Hill & Fine Wine Band
June 9 - Alex Vanderbeck & Friends
June 23 - Al Kelley & Reilly Creek Band
July 7 - Kenny Briton & Friends
July 21 - Rodger Roberts & Friends
August 4 - Irish Donahoo & Friends
August 18 - Terry Hovey & Friends
September 1 - Steve Jensen & Friends
September 15 - Larry Hanson & Friends
September 29 - Fred Larson &Friends
October 13 - FREE ADMISSION! CCMT Anniversary Show!
October 27 - Frank Bigelow & Friends
November 10 - Warren Brewer & Friends
November 24 - Josh Krohn & Dirty River Ramblers
December 8 - Christmas Show,
(Young musicians, up to 16 years old will be entertaining!)
** 7 PM, MONDAY, December 31, New Year's Eve Party!
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Are 12–18 years old, in grades 7–12.
Want to find out the truth behind Big Tobacco’s lies.
Are willing to take action against tobacco in their community and state.
When: March 20-21, 2018
Where: Lincoln, NE
Cost: FREE (We'll even pick you up!)
Big Tobacco has a long history of deceiving the public, hiding the truth and targeting youth with its marketing. It's time to stop Big Tobacco so we can all breathe easy. As youth, we have the power to change the influence Big Tobacco has on Nebraska. Come to the No Limits Kick Butts Day Rally to meet new friends, have fun, learn how to fight Big Tobacco, meet with your senator and make your voice heard!
Click here to download your application.
Applications are due Wednesday, February 14, 2018.
Questions? Call 866.394.8336 or email info@nolimitsnebraska.com
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2018 Audition Dates Announced at the Lofte Theatre
Show Audition Dates Production Dates
The Odd Couple - Feb 26 & 27, April 6-15
The Miracle Worker - April 16 & 17, June 1-10
OLIVER! - June 3, 4 & 5. July 21-Aug 5
Hilda's Yard - July 30 & 31, Sept. 7-16
Guys On Ice - Sept. 10 & 11, Oct. 13-28
Nuncrackers - Oct. 22 & 23, Dec. 1-16
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LOFTE THEATRE'S
Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition
Sunday, February 25, 2018
2pm
It's a cross between a family reunion and the Oscars. It's time once again for the Lofte's Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 25 at 2pm.
Desserts and refreshments will be provided.
Outstanding volunteers will be recognized with a NEW CAR! (Ok, it's a trophy. I was just seeing if you were paying attention.)
Once the official business meeting is completed, Artistic Director Kevin Colbert will lead us on a journey through the crazy fun that was 2017! Then he will give us a preview of what's in store for 2018.
This is a casual event and we welcome you to bring your friends and families. The more the merrier!
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The new exhibit, at the Bess Streeter-Aldrich House in Elmwood, NE, for the month of January, recognizes the Depression Era.
In spite of it being a tough period in our history, some beautiful things resulted: the house is decorated with depression glass, an apron collection, vintage quilts, banking equipment and documents, a shaving kit collection, and many other period pieces.
Don't miss this exhibit that will be open 1 to 4 p.m. every weekend through February.
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MUSICAL INSTRUMENT LENDING PROGRAM
The Great Plains Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association has a wonderful instrument lending program, so please share this information with folks that you know. Here is the information from Jim Wood:
"We are in full swing looking for kids ages 5 to 16 who want to learn to play a bluegrass/old time instrument!
The instruments we are lending include guitar, fiddles of different sizes, banjo, and mandolin, and have recently been gifted with a fine Dobro, thanks to Doug Van Horn.
These instruments may be borrowed for a year as long as the learner has a mentor from our music association.
The mentor will be selected by the student and parent.
This mentor will give the Instrument lending committee a report of progress every three months."
If you wish to get an application to this Lending program, please contact Jim Wood at 402-397-4673 or jkwood@unomaha.edu.
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16th Annual Short Story Contest
Start thinking of ideas for the 16th Annual Bess Streeter Aldrich short story contest.
The goal is to generate a fictional short story that is written in the wholesome spirit displayed by Bess Streeter Aldrich in her works while incorporating a theme that focuses on Nebraska’s economy, history, cultural diversity, and/or geography (past, present, and/or future).
Writers are encouraged to focus on historical and/or realistic topics. This year the Aldrich Foundation is paying tribute to Mrs. Aldrich’s novel The Rim of the Prairie and believe it would be an excellent resource.
Eligibility (Four divisions):
Adult: 1st Prize $100; 2nd Prize $50; 3rd Prize $25
High School (Grades 9-12): 1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15
Middle School (Grades 6-8): 1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15
Intermediate School (Grades 3-5): 1st Prize $25; 2nd Prize $15; 3rd Prize $10
Complete rules are found at the Bess Streeter Alrich Website.
Stories can be submitted on online. Deadline is February 17, 2018.
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NOROVIRUS! CLICK BELOW FOR PREVENTION and CARE TIPS!
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JOB OPENINGS at
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Immediate Job Openings
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UPCOMING EVENTS FROM
THE SCHOOLHOUSE
Sunday, March 11, 2:30 PM, Schoolhouse Performance Series, Greenblatt & Seay & Friends, Irish/Celtic Music, in The Old Avoca Schoolhouse, Avoca, NE
Wednesday, March 14 - Friday, March 16, 9 AM - 12 Noon, Schoolhouse Celtic Fiddle Camp, for fiddlers, violists, mandolinists, guitarists, records.
Sunday, April 8, 2:30 PM, Schoolhouse Performance Series, Ukulele Workshop and Concert, in The Old Avoca Schoolhouse, Avoca, NE
Sunday, May 13, 2:30 PM, Schoolhouse Performance Series, in The Old Avoca Schoolhouse, Avoca, NE
Wednesday, June 6 - Friday, June 8, 9 AM - 12 Noon, Schoolhouse Fiddle Camp for “Beginners”. (For more information, and to register, send an e-mail to Debby at debby@greenblattandseay.com)
Here’s a link to a video glimpse of our lives, as documented by Jared Kennedy-who-asks-hard-questions, Communications Manager for the Nebraska Arts Council:
http://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/news/artist-spotlight/greenblatt-seay.html
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ONGOING EVENTS......
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Plattsmouth’s Adult Education Program, including Adult Education, GED, and English Language classes, have a spacious new home in the First Presbyterian Church CE Building at 701 Chicago Avenue, Plattsmouth. The CE Building is the smaller of the Church’s two buildings.
“We have two large and comfortable rooms for classes this school year. We feel very happy to have room to move around easily and keep learning materials where students can readily use them. We have additional student-use computers as well,” said Program Director Tallie VanWesten. “We are grateful for this excellent new space and the First Presbyterian Church’s welcome.”
Classes are held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon and from 6:30 to 9 p.m. each week. Orientation for the morning class will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until noon. Evening class orientation begins from 6:30 to 9 p.m. This is a good time to complete the required paperwork, set up your computer-study accounts, and share your learning goals. Teachers will be available to answer questions during orientation. New students and returning students should attend orientation. Get your school year off to an excellent start at orientation.
Morning and evening classes at the same times listed above.
For more information about Adult Education, polishing your math, language, science and social studies skills; GED classes and testing; and English language classes; call Program Director Tallie Van Westen at 402-296-3174 Ext. 2315.
Classes are free. Everyone is welcome. Start your adult education classes in our new location. Now is the time!
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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: 402-441-6038stephanie_mahony@experienceworks.orgNebraska Toll-free Number: 1-877-314-7526.
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http://www.keepcasscountybeautiful.com/index.php
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Upcoming Events
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There are 3 ways you can submit your articles:
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