Elmwood News - December 4, 2019

  Elmwood Park  Bess Streeter Aldrich House  Cass County News 

 Library News  Calendar of Events   SUBMIT NEWS  

What a wonderful Holiday Extravaganza. There was so much to do I certainly could not see all of it and enjoy it at the same time. This year I had help with an added photojournalist, Bre Romero. Bre contacted me earlier this year regarding her interest as a future career as photojournalism. 

There are so many photos I can't share them all in one week. So for the next three weeks make sure to come back every Wednesday. To make sure you don't miss a single newsletter text ELMWOOD to 72727 and get a text link. 

(photo by Bre)

The day started with pancakes at the Elmwood fire hall where we strategized who would go where and when. So be prepared for some wonderful photos and further opportunities to continue the Holidays.

December has just started and there are many opportunities to take enjoy the Christmas season and start some new traditions. 

Journey into Christmas

The Bess Streeter Aldrich House and Museum is not just for adults, but for kids. Kids can complete a scavenger hunt in each room and turn in their form for a free book drawing.

The Bess Streeter Aldrich house is decked out with 13 Christmas trees, each with a theme from one of Mrs. Aldrich's short stories. 

In addition to the trees, there is a glimpse of vintage Christmas around every corner. This is just one corner of the kitchen and is so intriguing. Stay tuned the next few weeks for additional journey into the past. 

Holiday Hours 

Every Saturday and Sunday

1:00 -4:00 pm

Living Nativity

The Living Nativity in Murdock Nebraska is the only one in the state. It is quickly becoming an annual tradition with local families. This year there are several new additions. There are now Jacob sheep and baby fainting goats who were born just two days before the Holiday Extravaganza. 

There was also a baby calf born the same week. 

Saturday, Dec 7 & 14

Sunday, Dec 8 & 15 

3:00 - 6:00 pm

Stop by on the following dates. Bring a friend and consider bringing your local church youth group. This would not be possible without the volunteers of local residents and 4-H clubs who donate their time and several animals for the various nativity scenes. 

Let's walk through the Day

There was so much for the kids to do and Bre followed them as they traveled from Candy Cane Lane to the library and the local businesses that hosted kids events and crafts. The below photos were taken by Bre Romero. 

Visit with Santa

(photo by Bre)

For at least 75 years the Elmwood Fire Hall has sponsored a visit with Santa. Alie Dieter poses for this picture of Santa. This year over 130 kids sat on his lap and let him know their Christmas wishes.

Visitors enjoyed  "snowman soup" (hot chocolate), goldfish and candy bags. Thank you to all the Rescue Squad volunteers for making the tradition happen for many generations. 

(photo by Bre)

Candy Cane Lane

St. Mary's catholic church baked most of the goodies (there were several hundred cookies) At least 100 people came through the building and bought goods. This year there was a place to snack and visit with friends to sit at a table and eat and socialize.

(photo by Bree)

Pictured above are Brooke Goudie, Marissa Ohlerking and Annie Backemeier.

Craft Contest

There was only one contestant this year so she ended up getting first place. Thanks to Mickie Clements for participating. She won EMMA bucks. I'm sure next year there will be more entries.

HJ Dance Studio

They received a plaque with their symbolic first dollar earned and welcomed visitors to tour the studio. If you love pink you will love their Christmas tree (but more on this next week,...you'll have to come back next week)

HJ Dance not only had their red ribbon cutting for their official grand opening, but they also hosted Glitter Tattoos and hosted a float in the Starry Knight Parade. (but you will have to check back next week for the parade photos and video)

(photo by Bre)

Balloon Artist at Burrows

The balloon lady made about 50 balloons for kids and the most common balloon was sword or dog. Go figure. Burrows has been sponsoring the balloon lady for the last 3 years. So you will be sure she will return next year. 

(photo by Bre)

Before the parade started Burrows Real Estate hosted a tailgate party to showcase their office remodeling and warm up before the parade. 

(photo by Bre)

Make and Take Aprons at Massage by JoLean

Massage by JoLean has been hosting activities for the last 4 years. Last year families had the opportunity to make stockings.

(photo by Bre)

This year about 60 aprons were made by kids and families. What a great project and I'll bet many of the kids will be wearing these fun aprons to make Christmas cookies. (photo by Bre)

Library Crafts and Cookies 

Over 60 kids enjoyed making crafts and decorating cookies. The most popular activity was the cookie decorating, of course. One person donated 100 sugar cookies.  There were also over 100 lbs of colored frosting. 

Tayten McKenzie decorating a cookie (photo by Bre)

THANK YOU to the volunteers that made this a fun event for all who participated. Our library is a wonderful treasure for our community. 

David Seay and the Train Songs

The Elmwood Methodist church-sponsored David Seay and his entertaining Train songs and tales. Next week return for a video on his entertaining tales. 

Elmwood-Murdock Parade of Homes

I never have enough time to tour all the homes, but one year I will. Marie Gregoire and Tom Burtch opened up their amazing Country Home AirBnB and it is beautiful.  

Here is just a sneak peek. Make sure to watch the weekly news for more photos and videos of Christmas in Elmwood on Christmas Day.

Gazebo Grand Dedication 

The newest addition to the park is the new gazebo and it's amazing. The gazebo was purchased through the Crouch Recreation company and Heisman Trophy Winner Eric Crouch even attended the dedication. 

Funding of the Gazebo and the handicapped accessible sidewalks was made possible by the Midlands Community Foundation, Nebraska Game and Parks, and Cass County Tourism. This in addition to the community fundraising has made this cultural addition to our community possible. Thank you for all the volunteers for your time, effort and dedication. 

The Nebraska Husker quarterback answered football questions, signed autographs and took pictures with fans.

Soup Supper

Several hundred people enjoyed the amazing, soup and chili. In fact, the German potato soup (can't think of the name) was so popular the recipe has been requested. So keep an eye out for the recipe in future weeks.

Bits N Pieces

Before and after the Holiday parade people had an opportunity to shop at Bits and Pieces. You may remember how stores would decorate windows for the Christmas season. Well Bits N Pieces does a wonderful job each year and I encourage you to stop by and take a look. 

Starry Knight Holiday Parade

The end of the festive day ended with the Starry Night Parade. Next week I will post more pictures of the parade as it is a favorite tradition.

Susie Vogler brought her miniature horses which are enjoyed by all.

Tuesday,  December 10, 2019

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m

Elmwood Murdock High School, 300 Wyoming

Veterans G.A.R. Hall Veterans Museum

The G.A.R. Hall and Veterans Museum would like to include a display of "I Remember" stories from veterans and/or their families at the museum.

Submit special memories - maybe it was your first Christmas away from family, maybe it was spent in basic training, deployed, in the jungles of Vietnam, on the desert of Afghanistan, on a ship in the middle of the ocean, etc.

For the families, maybe it was a special phone call from a far-away service member.

"I Remember" stories can be submitted to garhallvet@windstream.net or mailed to Elmwood G.A.R.Hall Veterans Museum, c/o 402 East D Street, Elmwood 68349, for display during the 2019 Holiday Extravaganza.

Elmwood - Murdock 4th Graders selling Bakers Chocolates

Since 1992 the Elmwood-Murdock 4th graders have been selling Bakers chocolate meltaways to raise money for their Spring Nebraska History field trip. This year the selling season is extended. Not only will they be selling to neighbors friends and family, but they will be extending their reach and hopefully funds raised.

You can purchase one-pound bags for $9.50 from any 4th grader or at the following locations. 

Elmwood-Murdock Holiday Craft Show - November 30th

Elmwood-Murdock Winter Music Concerts

Living Nativity Returns to Cass County

 Spread the word about the Elmwood Public Library!

Visit the Overdrive website for more information on checking out electronic books and media. 
www.help.overdrive.com 

Library hours

Monday 3- 8pm

Tuesday 2-6 pm

Wednesday 2 pm -6 pm

Thursday 10 am - 2 pm

Saturday 10 am - 2 pm    

LAUREN JUSTESEN
ELMWOOD MURDOCK HIGH SCHOOL

This week our Student of the Week Winner is Lauren Justesen. She is a senior at Elmwood Murdock High School. Her activities include volleyball, basketball, track, student council, drama, band, and FBLA. She is the daughter of Gary and Nicole Justesen.

She was nominated for these reasons:
- She is described by kindness and leadership
- She is positive, hardworking, and always smiling
- She is an excellent student-athlete
- She will be attending Bemidji State and playing Volleyball next fall

Lauren, Gary, and Nicole are invited to stop by either of our clinics in Plattsmouth or Louisville, call (402.234.3333) or email (dan@wittephysicaltherapy.com) to
their Witte Physical Therapy t-shirts or water bottles! 

Our next Student of the Week winner will be announced on December 11th.

EMSchool APP Android

EMSchool App Apple

You can even follow them on Twitter at EMKnightsSchool 

NEW ELMWOOD-MURDOCK SCHOOL WEBSITE 

Enrollment for the 2019-2020 Cass County 4-H year is currently open.

If you have a child age 5 (by January 1st) through age 18 and are interested in joining 4-H, it’s time to enroll.

Enrollment is completed on-line at https://ne.4HOnline.com.

Maybe you have some friends already in 4-H; ask them which club they belong to.

If you need help selecting a club, call the Extension Office at 402-267-2205.

The office is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Check out the calendar on the Elmwood Website  

St. Paul United Methodist Church

400 West G Street

Elmwood, NE  68349

Sunday School (Sept.-May)  9:30 a.m.

Worship Services 10:35 a.m.

During the weekdays, Son-Shine Child Care Center partners with the church for

daycare of 6-week-old infants to school-age children.

The daycare phone is 402-994-2384.

 The church is involved in the

Cass County Food Pantry,

The BackPack Program,

Joint Vacation Bible School and other community activities.

Pastor Michelle Chesnut

Cell Phone 402-314-7988  Church Phone: 402-994-6735

E-mail: stpaulelmwood@gmail.com

 Website:  elmwoodmurdockumc.com 

Having a baby shower, family reunion or large family dinner?

You can have your party and STILL keep your house clean.

Only $75.00 for four to 6 hours.

Call 402-994-2145 for more details and to set your date. 

 Morning Coffee Bar 8:00 am

 Short Story Contest 

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 family life, 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 book Spring Came on Forever and it would be an excellent resource.

Here are some of the guidelines below and if you would like to see more visit their Facebook page or email me at editor@elmwoodnebraska.com for complete rules and guidelines.

Deadline is midnight February 17, 2020

 New 1950's Exhibit is currently available for viewing at the Bess Streeter Aldrich House and Museum

Wed, Thurs, Sat, & Sundays 

1:00 - 4:00 pm

Also available for scheduled tours.  

 (click here or on the banner above to find the monthly calendar for the month) 

When your group or club meets for an event, take some photos and send them to me with a summary of what was happening and I'll post them here in the Elmwood Newsletter. 

Readers want to see involvement in and around our village.  It not only helps to promote our town, but it could create interest in joining your group.

Youth groups and other civic groups do litter pick-up, sponsor Easter egg hunts, collect food for those less fortunate and meet for crafting, among lots of other events. 

Be sure to check the calendar to the right for upcoming events, also.

Send your updates, announcements, and photos of the events, at editor@elmwoodnebraska.com  

Elmwood #LittleFreePantry

The Little Free Pantry is located between Hufstader Chiropractor, the Elmwood Meat Market, and the Village Hall. 

 Don't forget to send me your news 

We are currently serving hard ice cream in dishes.
we have 8 different flavors to choose from.

Elmwood C Store
402-994-3305

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Area News   

Presenting the Cast of In-Laws, Outlaws, and Other People (That Should be Shot) We are so excited to have so many returning Born-In-A-Barn players as well as some new faces! Performances start December 7th, and remember, tickets make great holiday gifts, so be sure to reserve yours now:

More about In-Laws, Outlaws, and Other People (That Should be Shot): It is 6 pm and the Douglas family is busily preparing for their annual Christmas Eve dinner. After robbing a neighborhood liquor store, high strung and irritable Tony, and his dim-witted side-kick Vinny find themselves in need of a hide-out. A comic treasure that is sure to leave you in stitches while celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

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