Elmwood Holiday Extravaganza Gets Bigger and Better Every Year!
The Elmwood Holiday Extravaganza, sponsored by the Elmwood Murdock Merchants Association, had great weather and a big turnout for the day. There were activities scheduled all day to interest everyone. The pancake feed and the activities provided by Bloom Where You're Planted kept the Elmwood Fire Hall hopping all day. Besides eating pancakes the kids played rubber ducky races, roped a steer, dressed a scarecrow, and petted the Christmas Goat.
The craft show at Josoff's Social Hall and Fitness Center had enough vendors to fill the old rink. They had vendors ranging from crafters to jewelry makers to Tastefully Simple. Brad and Shannon and their friends and families have been working day and night...really, day and night, to get ready for the big event. They have been remodeling and making a lot of changes to the old skating rink. People were eager to get inside to see what they've done. The kids were excited to see the bounce house was up and running!
Besides the activities at the fire hall the kids enjoyed the crafts and games at the library. Cindy Mumford organized the activities there. She does a great job making reading fun for the kids. Parents enjoyed the time away from the kids to go shopping at the craft show and Bits & Pieces. The Methodist church hosted a free showing of Toy Story 3 which gave the kids and parents a little calm time to rest up for the big evening.
The Bess Streeter Aldrich House Museum was open for tours and a reading of one of her short Christmas stories. They also showed a movie that was made for one of her books.
The soup supper at the community center had plenty of good soup. It warmed everyone up and gave them energy to move out to the street to watch the light up parade. There were several floats representing area businesses. The only thing missing was a band and a horse! That's something to work on for next year. Lou and Suzie Allgayer were the grand marshalls of the parade.
After the parade the Josoff's opened up for the community party. There were games, karaoke and lots of laughter! The social hall will be a great asset to the community!
Shannon and Brad Josoff at the Josoff Social Hall and Fitness Center.
Brad and Shannon at the craft show.
John Willey has been a regular vendor at the craft show for a few years now. The kids love making their own jewelry.
Maggie shows off her pretty butterfly face. The FBLA kids painted faces for the kids.
Miss Cass County, DeAnn Kathol, stopped by to do a little shopping with her niece, future Miss Cass County, Kendall Kathol.
Becky vonRentzell came to shop at her mom's booth. Pat Spellman has been a crafter for many years and sells out of her home, too. She has her annual Christmas open house coming up on December 11. Pat's granddaughter, Sydney Brummer, has been helping her grandma at the craft shows for years.
Henry "Hank" Clymer was a smooth operator.
Suzie Allgayer, Julie Anderson, and Shannon Josoff...all have one thing in common...they've all owned the skating rink!
Pat and Sydney.
Collin and Hayley were looking for something to eat after getting their faces painted.
Dawn Hromanik and her daughter, Jennifer found some good jewelry at Angie's booth.
The youth group from the Murdock United Methodist Church had a free gift wrapping service. They did accept donations though.
Jody Shaw at her Tastefully Simple booth.
Luke Althouse painted many, many faces on Saturday.
Ty Racin Rice helped Grandma Karen run her booth.
Kathy Frahm and Erin Clymer found some bargains.
Santa Claus arrived in style at the Elmwood Fire Hall.
Nathan and Jennifer Brettmann brought Christian and his new little sister, Rebecca to see Santa.
Emma was loving the wheelbarrow maze.
Raynee assures Santa that she has been a good girl.
Dan Spaulding flips the pancakes while Carl Althouse supervises.
Erin think Santa looks a lot like her Grandpa!
Delaney came prepared. She and her sister, Bailey made a book out of the ads from the newspapers so Santa wouldn't forget any of their requests.
Bailey shares her book with Santa.
Ben Kastens serving up sausages at the pancake feed.
Mikey think Santa knows exactly what he wants for Christmas.
The kids check out Gaby the Christmas Goat.
Jordyn and Shay Campbell have promised Santa cookies on Christmas Eve. He will be sure to stop by their house.
Raynee gets her steer!
If you think Santa has his hands full with this crew what about Ben and Roxanne?
How do you entertain seven children? Give them a back of peanuts, apples, and candy...and a wall to lean on.
Amanda and Tiffany wanted to be sure Santa heard their requests for Christmas...odds are good that he will be at their house!
Kurk Shrader, president of the Elmwood Murdock Merchants Association stopped by to see if Jennifer and Cody needed any help.
Mickey and Rick Clements make time for pancakes on this busy day.
Ashley says, "Where do I begin?" Santa say, "Oh, my, I better get some paper and a pen!"
Megan Hawk plays the corn bag toss game.
Clint Bornemeier keeps the juices flowing!
Tara Bevans fried up the sausages.
Drake Clements finds his way through the maze.
Rob Clements and his carload of kids!
The American Exchange Bank's float was pretty!
Suzie and Lou Allgayer were the Grand Marshalls and chose to walk the parade route.
This is the back of the American Exchange Bank's float.
The Elmwood Rescue Squad was lit up by the reflective paint on it.
Addison and Jordyn dance all night to the karaoke music.
Corey wants a cheeto from Jordyn.
Kris Shrader looks through the karaoke song list to find one she wants to sing.
Sophie Tays, Shannon Ronhovde, and Lizzy Pegler got the party started. Good thing they aren't shy!
Abe brought his kids down for a fun evening.
Jackson is going to sing one...as soon as he figures out which one.
Not to be outdone by the big girls this group quickly made their way on stage.
Lizzy Pegler owned the floor. She could really sing!
Nicole Folden and Addison twirl around to the music.
Jenni Ammerman and her back up singer, Angela Brockoff, crooned to Carrie Underwood. Angela was everyone's back up singer but noone minded because she was good!
Mike Stubbendeck and Coleman Lenz refrained from singing but did munch on the nachos.
Amanda Cronk rapped to an 80's rap song while Corey and Jordyn Campbell provided backup.
Don Cronk got the kids playing a resounding game of Gobble, Gobble Goose!
Mom really wasn't plugging her ears to the karaoke singers..there was some loud feedback from the speakers.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES OF THE EXTRAVAGANZA!!
Here are some examples of Pat's crafts:
A Boy's First Hair Cut
Zachary before Grandma Julie cut his hair...
And Zachary after! He looks so cute! Just like a little boy.
"Greetings" Opens Winter Theater Season
KBC Productions announces that it will open the winter theater season at Mahoney State Park on December 3 with Tom Dudzick's touching Christmas drama, "Greetings." All performances take place at the Kountze Memorial Theater near the lodge inside of Mahoney State Park.
Greetings is the story of a mentally handicapped man named Mickey. He lives at home with his sweet Catholic mother and sour Catholic father. When older brother, Andy brings home a Jewish fiancée to meet his family on Christmas Eve, he fears the worst. However, that evening a small miracle occurs. Mickey, whose entire vocabulary consists of "Oh boy," and "Wow," suddenly blurts out, "Greetings!" the whole family is left to wonder how this is possible. It is a gentle heart-warming story for the whole family.
The production is directed by Kevin Colbert of Weeping Water. Starring in the production are Jim Knierim of Louisville, Stacy White and Shari Hoelker of Omaha and Chuck Danskin of Lincoln. Reprising the role of Mickey for the third time is Jim Frerichs of rural Dunbar.
Performances for "Greetings" are Dec 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 and 26-30. Adult tickets are $8. Children are priced at $6. Reservations can be made by calling Mahoney State Park at (402) 944-2523 ext. 7122. Curtain times are at 7:30pm except for Dec 5, 19 which are 2pm Sunday matinee performances. Mahoney State Park is located just off exit 426 on I-80 near the towns of Ashland and South Bend.
World Premiere in Manley, Nebraska!
The Lofte Community Theatre in Manley is bringing a world premiere to the stage. Opening on December 3, "Christmas at Leon's" tells the tale of a bus full of holiday travelers who get stranded at a roadside diner during a blizzard. As we are introduced to the passengers, we discover that each one has a flaw or personal drama affecting his or her life. Everyone is able to find shelter and spiritual comfort at the diner owned by an odd little man named Leon. The story and original musical score were both written by Mick Kovar of Lincoln. Mr. Kovar is a long-time friend of the Lofte having served on its board of directors and starred in several of its productions over the years. Lofte Artistic Director, Kevin Colbert is directing the show. Colbert and Kovar are old friends and have enjoyed working with each other on "Leon's."
Starring in the title role as the curmudgeon, Leon is Larry Bauers of Louisville. His three angelic waitresses are played by Renee Kovar of Lincoln, Lindsey Micks of Bellevue and Samantha Colbert of Weeping Water. Other players in the show include Bob Pinkerton of Weeping Water; Jamion Biesterfeld and Anne Riha of Louisville; Scott Pope of Eagle; Cynthia West Sheldon of Elmwood; Adam, Mick and Meagan Kovar and Brittney Ernesti all of Lincoln; Tom Lucas of Papillion, Virginia Howe Kincaid of Elkhorn and Jason France of Plattsmouth.
"Christmas at Leon's" will run December 3-5, 10-12 & 16-19. Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm. Sundays are 2pm matinees. Tickets are $16.
The Lofte is also doing a fundraiser in coordination with this event. Ticket holders can come to the Lofte 90 minutes prior to curtain to eat at Leon's Diner. A home-cooked meal of meatloaf or hot turkey sandwiches will be served right on stage as the cast entertains and helps to serve the food. Tickets for the meal are priced separately at $25/plate. $15 of the meal ticket is tax deductible. Advance reservations for the Diner Experience are required.
The Lofte is located near the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 1 just east of the village of Manley. The box office is open Monday through Friday 8am-12pm.
Larry Bauers of Louisville is surrounded by his trio of angelic waitresses; Lindsey Micks, Samantha Colbert and Renee Kovar.
Elmwood Murdock School Links:
Junior/Senior High School Boys Basketball Schedule
Junior/Senior High School Girls Basketball Schedule
School Calendar of School Closures - Get a Sitter!
School Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Parents Login for Power School - Check their grades and their lunch balances!
Junior/Senior High School Daily Bulletin
Check out the School Website for yourself!
Community Sustaining Sponsors 2010
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor