FRIDAY, JULY 30
The St. Bernard Benefit Slow Pitch Softball Tournament runs today (Friday) through Sunday in St. Bernard, Nebraska. Limited to the first 14 teams. Cost is $110 per team, with a 5-girl minimum per team. There are available camper hook-ups at $10 per night. Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross flood relief efforts across northeast Nebraska. (992-2086, 920-3793, 923-1454)
It's Beaver Valley Days in St. Edward, now (Friday) through Sunday. Tonight (Friday) the Barbecue runs from 4 to 7pm, and the Road Rally starts at 5. Tomorrow (Saturday) the festivities begin at 9am with a Sand Volleyball Tournament, a Co-Ed Softball Tournament, a kids scavenger hunt, and more. There's a Little Kids Tractor Pull, show n shine car show, and the Second Annual Duck Derby. And on Sunday, the pancake feed starts at 7am, with events throughout the day, including the Grand Parade at 3:30, a barbecue at 5, and the Lip Sync/Talent Show at 6:30. (678-2879)
SATURDAY, JULY 31
The Norfolk Eagles Club is holding its Second Annual Diabetes Golf Tournament today (Saturday) at 9am, at Evergreen Hill Golf Course in Battle Creek. Cost is $80 per team. It's a 2-person scramble, 18 holes and flighted off 9 holes. Dinner will follow at the Norfolk Eagles Club, where flag prizes and flight paybacks will be awarded. (371-7762, 675-5004)
Hope Lutheran Church in Columbus is holding their Second Annual "Store of Hope" today (Saturday) 11:00 am - 2:00 PM for all who need help preparing their children with back to school supplies. Patrons are asked to give what they can and take what they need.
The Norfolk Public Library is holding their 16th Annual Literature Festival today (Saturday) at Northeast Community College's Lifelong Learning Center. This year's festival features three award-winning, nationally known authors: Deborah Hopkinson, Heather Henson, and Tony Varrato. Advance tickets are available at the Norfolk Public Library. (844-2100)
The Second Annual Boone Central Wrestling Club Golf Tournament is today (Saturday) at Albion Country Club. It's a 4-man scramble with a 10am shotgun start. Cost is $50 per person, including dinner and karaoke afterward at the Vet's Club. Proceeds benefit the Boone Central Wrestling Club. (610-2681)
Help choose the best beer in Nebraska at the 2nd annual Neihardt Foundation Beer Festival tonight (Saturday) from 6:30 - 9:00 pm at the Country Pub on Main Street in Bancroft. More than a dozen craft breweries and distributors will be on hand. There will be appetizers and an auction of bee-related items. This is a fundraiser for the John Neihardt State Historic Site in Bancroft. Advance ticket purchase of $25 will give you a glass Neihardt mug. Or purchase tickets only at the door for $20. (888-777-4667)
There is a fundraiser co-ed Softball Tournament today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday) in Laurel, Nebraska. This is to raise funds for FFA students in Laurel-Concord, Coleridge, Wynot, and Newcastle. Cost is $100 per team, with registration limited to 20 teams. (360-0095)
Beaver Valley Days continues in St. Edward, now (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday). Today (Saturday) the festivities begin at 9am with a Sand Volleyball Tournament, a Co-Ed Softball Tournament, a kids scavenger hunt, and more. There's a Little Kids Tractor Pull, show n shine car show, and the Second Annual Duck Derby. And tomorrow (Sunday), the pancake feed starts at 7am, with events throughout the day, including the Grand Parade at 3:30, a barbecue at 5, and the Lip Sync/Talent Show at 6:30. (678-2879)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1
It's An Afternoon At The Museum today (Sunday) from 1:30 to 4:30, at Gilman Park in Pierce. There will be an antique tractor display, root beer floats, scavenger hunts for adults and kids, and more.
The 81st Annual Reunion of the Franz Pulz family will be held today (Sunday) at the Fellowship Hall of Peace UCC Church northeast of Norfolk. The event will start at 12:30 with a carry-in pot luck dinner.
MONDAY, AUGUST 2
Auditions for the Children's Theater Company of South Dakota's original musical production of "The Bard of Ballyfiddle" will be held today (Monday) at the Cox Activity Theater, beginning at 10am. Those auditioning should arrive at 9:45am, and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition. No experience or advance preparation is needed. (371-7199)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3
Norfolk Police Division and local service organizations are hosting National Night Out in Central Park on Pasewalk Avenue tonight (Tuesday) from 6:00-8:00 pm. There will be games, food and music and demonstrations by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Norfolk Police Division. National Night Out is designed to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity.
The Kiwanis Club of Pierce will host National Night Out at Gilman Park from 6:00-8:00 pm tonight (Tuesday.) There will be food, games for kids and grown-ups. The State Patrol Crash Simulator and Mobile Crime Lab will be on hand, as well as police cars, ambulance, fire trucks and equipment. Bring extra school supplies to help stuff the Pierce Telephone Truck.
The Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Green Council would like to make you aware of a Used Electronics Collection at the Madison County Fairgrounds Commercial Building today and tomorrow (Tuesday and Wednesday) from 7am to 6pm Also clean cardboard and paper, pop cans, large appliances and scrap metal, plastic containers, computer components, TVs, small appliances and electronics. (454-2026)
The Parkinson's Meeting for August is today (Tuesday) from 2 to 3pm, at Faith Regional's West Campus, in the Norfolk Room. Pharmacist Mark Boche of U-Save Pharmacy will speak on Parkinson's medications. (371-6613)
Northeast Nebraska RC&D is featuring the art work of Ranae Wacker, art instructor at Plainview Public School and two of her 2010 graduate students. The public is invited to meet the artists at an exhibit reception, which will be held today (Tuesday) from 5 to 7pm at the northeast RC&D Office located in Plainview. Visitors are welcome to stop in to see the exhibit anytime during regular office hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the office. 582-4866.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4
First United Methodist Church of Norfolk, located at 4th and Phillip, is holding a Rummage Sale today (Wednesday) through Friday. Hours will be 9am to 5pm today and tomorrow (Wednesday and Thursday).
The 8th Annual Sweet Corn and Hamburger Feed is today (Wednesday) at the Pilger Fire Hall, from 5 to 9pm. Cost is a free will donation, and there will be free swimming from 6 to 9. All proceeds will go to the Pilger Pool Fund.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 5
First United Methodist Church of Norfolk is holding a Rummage Sale through tomorrow (Friday), from 9am to 5pm. Everything is half price today (Thursday)!
Visit Dairy Queen today (Thursday) for Miracle Treat Day to benefit Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for 170 children's hospitals. Dairy Queen will donate a dollar or more from every Blizzard sold to the Children's Miracle Network Hospital in local communities. (miracletreatday.com)
The Emergency Medical Services Program of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is offering a workshop on "Water Emergencies" for emergency medical technicians and first responders. The workshop will be held at Willow Lake in Pierce today (Thursday) from 7 to 10pm. (877-227-3609)
The Northeast Nebraska Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council and Red Willow County Household Hazardous Waste are partnering to offer three more household hazardous waste collections for the region. They will be held today (Thursday) in Wakefield from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 303 Oak St., on Hwy 35 across from Cubby's Cenex Station; and in Hadar from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the city's park on North Front St. about one block off of Hwy 13, and tomorrow (Friday) in Clearwater from 9 to 11 a.m. at 707 Montana St., the water tower parking lot across from the park. Items to be accepted at these two-hour events include latex and oil-based paint, used oil, adhesives, solvents, pesticides, antifreeze, fluorescent light bulbs, items containing mercury, aerosol cans, and car batteries. Only household quantities will be accepted. These are no-fee events for the public, but a free will donation will gladly be accepted to further the projects of the RC&D Council. 582-4866
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6
Today (Friday) is the last day of the Rummage Sale at First United Methodist Church of Norfolk. Hours will be from 9am till noon, and everything is only a dollar a bag!
Free one-on-one, confidential consultations for farmers and ranchers will be available today (Friday) in Norfolk. This is an opportunity to meet with an experienced ag attorney and ag financial counselor. Come with questions! (800-464-0258)
The Upper Elkhorn NRD will be screening private drinking water for nitrates during the Antelope County Fair. Anyone interested in having their water checked should bring a cup of water in a clean container today (Friday) between 10am and 4pm. Stop by and visit the NRD booth, and order your trees for the upcoming season. (336-3867)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7
Plainview will be having open soccer registration today (Saturday) from 10am till noon, and again August 14 from 1 to 3pm, at the Plainview Community Building.
Hadar Volunteer Fire Department's Annual Barbecue is today (Saturday) at the Hadar Village Hall, serving from 5 to 8pm. One sandwich tickets are $5 each, or two sandwich tickets for $6. Also serving potato salad, chips, and all the fixings. (750-0200)
The Twin River FFA Tractor Pull is today (Saturday) in Genoa. Registration is at 11am, with a 12 noon start. There are five general classes, and a hook-up fee of $20.
MONDAY, AUGUST 9
The Emergency Medical Services Program of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is offering a workshop on "Sports Injuries" for emergency medical technicians and first responders. The workshop will be held at the Lindsay fire Hall today (Monday) from 7 to 10pm. (877-227-3609)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14
The Columbus Area Support Group for Widowed, Divorced and Separated is hosting a Singles Dance tonight (Saturday) from 8 till midnight at the VFW Hall in Columbus, with music by 2nd Time Around.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15
Columbus Peace Lutheran Adult Singles is watching the movie, "The Five People You Meet In Heaven." They will meet at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus today (Sunday) at 2pm. (910-1471)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19
Free one-on-one, confidential consultations for farmers and ranchers will be available today (Thursday) in Norfolk. This is an opportunity to meet with an experienced ag attorney and ag financial counselor. Come with questions! (800-464-0258)
OTHER "WHAT'S ROCKIN" ITEMS
The Norfolk Chamber Annual Golf Day is scheduled for Friday, July 30, at the Norfolk Country Club. There's only room for 5 more teams. If you haven't yet reserved your team, contact Monica at the Chamber. (371-4862)
NeighborWorks is a non-profit organization that provides Homebuyer Education. Classes are held monthly, alternating between Norfolk and Columbus. These classes are open to the public. (379-3311)
The Salvation Army is teaming up with The Norfolk Area Child Abuse Prevention Council to "Stuff the Bus!" This year the theme is "Back to Basics." School supplies to fill backpacks, and undergarments are being collected to give to needy students. The one thing that is quite often overlooked is new underwear. The deadline for donations is August 7. Checks payable to "The Salvation Army: Stuff the Bus." Donations can be sent to, or dropped off at, 112 N. 7th Street in Norfolk.
Two new exhibits are open at the Norfolk Arts Center, and will be on display through August 28th. "Irrational Propositions" by Watie White of Omaha is displaying in the gallery, and "Light Spaces" by Anne Torkelson of Blair is displaying in the atrium. There is a free exhibit reception scheduled for Friday, July 23, from 6 to 8pm. All exhibit receptions are free and open to the public. (371-7199)
Did you know that cigarettes contain 250 toxic chemicals able to cause cancer? The Norfolk Community Health Care Clinic has resources available to help you kick the habit. You will be evaluated by a health care professional, who will design a program to stop smoking. All you need to do is call 644-7314 or 454-3304, and you will be on your way to taste free air!
The Clearwater Country market is now open on the Clearwater Rodeo Grounds every Wednesday from 5 to 7pm throughout the season. (887-4271, 640-8381)
The Neligh Market is now open, and being held on the courthouse lawn. Hours are Saturday mornings from 9 to 11. (485-2155, 640-8381)
CASA of Northeast Nebraska is seeking volunteers to be advocates for children. CASA helps innocent children who find themselves going through the court system due to no fault of their own. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an advocate, call CASA Director Ruth Matthews-Mott at 371-9599.
The Salvation Army is currently accepting applications from families that are interested in receiving school supplies. Volunteers are also needed to assist on August 14. If you are interested, please contact CASA or the Salvation Army. (379-4663)
The Norfolk Council for Family Empowerment will hold their annual "Stuff the Bus" campaign again this summer. Buses are at Walmart, Shopko, and Lloyd's Drug Mart. Customers can help stuff the bus with school supplies, clothing, book bags, and other items.
Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Norfolk Immunization Clinic on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8am till 4:30pm, and on Mondays and Fridays by appointment, at 1405 Riverside Blvd. in Norfolk. They will also now be offering the Pneumovax vaccine. this vaccine is offered to persons 65 years of age and older, and persons 19 to 64 who are immunocompromised and have chronic medical conditions. This vaccine is available for $40. GHCA's Health Services Program also provides lead screening to children ages 1 to 6 for a fee of $10. (379-1380)
The Marathon Marchers have a 90-page cookbook for sale, with all proceeds benefiting the Relay for Life. They are 5 x 7 and wire-bound. The cost is $7.50 per cookbook, which is full of great appetizers, desserts and meals that take very little time to make, as well as a few drink mixes and things for kids to make, such as Play-doh. They can be picked up at Trendz, Marathon Press, and the Eagles Club. Also, donations are always welcome. ((844-2791, 640-6134)
Croppin' For A Cure is hosting several Scrapbook Days again this year. Croppin' Fridays, which run from 7pm till 1am, will be August 27 and September 24. (371-8523)
Bright Horizons, Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, is pleased to offer "Cooking for a Cause: A Collection of Recipes" cookbook. Filled with over 425 recipes from staff, volunteers, clients, and supporters, you will want a copy of this 3-ring binder cookbook for your kitchen. They are on sale now at their office in Norfolk, 305 N. 4th Street, or in O'Neill at 318 E. Douglas Street. Cost is $15 each, or 2 for $25. (379-2026 Norfolk, 336-1774 O'Neill)
Open your heart and your home to an international student. Pacific Intercultural Exchange needs host families right now in your community for semester and academic year homestay programs. (800-828-9001)