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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Glad Tidings Bible Camp is hosting a Winter Youth Retreat for kids in grades 7 through 12. It’s today (Friday) through Sunday.  Bible teaching, friends, food and fun form this weekend. Cost is $40. (402-373-2797, 402-373-4433, 308-219-0778)

Ed Kail presents “A Celebration of God’s Grace,” a concert of song and story, tonight (Friday), at 7pm, at First United Methodist Church in Norfolk. An offering will be received for the Elkhorn Valley District Church & Community project, “Revitalizing Rural Congregations.” This even is open to the public.

“Storytime” is being held at the Norfolk Public Library today (Friday) from 10:30 till 11am, and tomorrow (Saturday) from 10:30 till 11am. Storytime is for kids age 3 through second grade. Parents are asked to remain in the library during Storytime, and are always welcome to attend. (402-844-2100)

Dance to the music of Burt Heithold tonight (Friday) at the Norfolk Senior Center from 7 to 11pm.  Admission is $7, and refreshments will be served.  (402-371-8299)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Tilden’s Annual Chili Cook-Off is being held today (Saturday) at the Tilden American Legion. Open to the public at 5pm for a free will donation, and funds will benefit Tilden’s Prairie Days.  (402-368-2217)

The 21st Annual Tilden Legion Gun Show is today (Saturday) from9 till 5, and tomorrow (Sunday) from 9 till 3, at the Tilden City Auditorium. Cost is $3 admission per day, and the public is welcome to attend.  (402-368-5370, 402-368-5546)

The Wayne State College is hosting the 18th Annual Nebraska High School Science Bowl today (Saturday).  Opening ceremonies will be at 9am, followed by a round-robin competition from 9:30 till noon. Double elimination will begin at 1. Medals will be awarded to the top four teams at each event. Also, volunteers are needed to help with this event.  All new volunteers must attend a mandatory training session. (402-375-7471)

The Norfolk Public Library presents “Lapsit,” for children birth to 24 months with an adult caregiver. This is a beginning literary experience filled with rhymes, songs, games and stories. Lapsit is being held today (Saturday) from 10 till 10:20am, at the library. (402-844-2100)

“Storytime” is being held at the Norfolk Public Library today (Saturday) from 10:30 till 11am. Storytime is for kids age 3 through second grade. Parents are asked to remain in the library during Storytime, and are always welcome to attend. (402-844-2100)

Norfolk Public Library’s Young Adult Book Discussion Group for Teens will meet today (Saturday) at 2:30pm, at the library, to discuss “A Wrinkle in Time.”  (402-844-2100)

The Stanton Knights of Columbus will hold a Chili Feed tonight (Saturday), starting at 6pm.  The Ice Fishing Tournament scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday) has been cancelled.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

The Norfolk VFW is serving breakfast today (Sunday), from 8:30am till 12:30pm. It’s all you can eat scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, hash browns and pancakes, juice and coffee. Cost is $5.50 for adults, and $3 for kids 6 to 12. Proceeds go toward the VFW and Vets Home.

St. Francis Catholic Church is having a Super Bowl Brunch today (Sunday), from 8am till 1pm, at the Neligh American Legion. Serving french toast, pancakes, eggs, sausage, dessert, juice, coffee and milk.  (402-887-5437, 402-887-1377)

Boone Central’s High School Dance Competition is being held today (Sunday) at the school.  Doors open at 1:30. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students. Awards will be given out in five categories.

St. Lenard School in Madison is holding a Soup and Pie Lunch today (Sunday) from 10:30am till 1pm, at the KC Hall in Madison. Serving cream of broccoli and chicken noodle soups, chili, sandwiches, hot dogs and desserts.  A free will donation will be accepted, and proceeds will go toward St. Leonard school programs.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6

The Bloodmobile will be in Neligh today (Monday) from 10:30 till 4:390, at the Neligh American Legion.  Walk-ins are welcome. (402-887-6214)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

The next Relay for Life Team Captains’ Meeting is being held today (Tuesday), at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norfolk, beginning at 5:30pm.  This is your opportunity to get your team packet for the Relay season, get fundraiser ideas and find out where the money goes that your raise. Also, the planning committee will meet at 6:45 p.m.

Dine out at KFC in Norfolk today (Tuesday) between 4 and 10pm, and a portion of the sale will be donated to Sacred Heart School’s Home and School Association. (402-841-4016)

A Pierce Community Blood Drive is being held today (Tuesday) from noon till 6, at Christ Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Pierce.  (402-329-4996, ext 101)

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Wayne Immunization Clinic today (Tuesday), from 9 till 3, at United Methodist Church in Wayne.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

Free, one-on-one confidential consultations for farmers and ranchers with an experience ag attorney and ag financial counselor will be available today (Tuesday) in Norfolk.  This is an opportunity to hear a specialist’s opinion on issues that may be affecting you operation. (800-464-0258)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

They’re “Puttin’ On the Pink” tonight (Wednesday) at the Time Square Event Center, an evening that includes sampling of select Jim’s Fine Wines and gourmet hors d’oeuvres, bidding on auction items, and socializing. All proceeds will benefit the Nebraska Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Tickets are $25, and are available at Insurance Associates on Pasewalk, ReMax Associates on Taylor Avenue, and Copycraft Printing downtown. (komennebraska.org)

Women Embracing Business, a division of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, invites you to join them at the Lifelong Learning Center today (Wednesday), for their Networking Lunch, with a presentation regarding St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, and an activity with Mary Beth Renter of ASQ Promotions.  This is the perfect meeting to meet other business women in the area, have fun, learn and win prizes.  (RSVP: 402-371-4862)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Preschool Playtime at the YMCA Gymnastics Center is today (Thursday), and every Thursday from 10:45 till 11:45am. This is open to members and  non-members, and a drop-in fee applies. (402-371-9770)

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Crofton Immunization Clinic today (Thursday), from 10 till 2, at the Crofton City Auditorium.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

The 15th annual Norfolk Hoops Classic boys basketball tournament will be held March 3rd and 4th.  The entry fee is one hundred dollars, with a 3-game guarantee. The tournament is for boys in grades 5 through 8, with several divisions for each age group.  Today (Friday) is the last day to register.  (402-750-1771, 402-379-1415)

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Tonight (Saturday), Norfolk’s Bruizin’ Bettys take on Aces ‘N’ Sk8s in a roller derby bout at the DeVent Center in Norfolk. “Be My Bloody Valentine” begins at 7pm, and tickets are $10 at the door. Kids 10 and under are free.  Proceeds will go to The Arc of Norfolk.

The Humphrey Community Club is putting on a Husker Tailgate Throwback Party today (Saturday) from 2 till 11pm at the Humphrey Community Building.  Watch replays of Husker National Championship games, bring your tailgate supplies and wear old school Husker attire. Prizes will be awarded for the best tailgate set-up and best-dressed Husker fan.  There will be a cash bar and brats and burgers available, but bring you tailgate munchies. Cost is $40 in advance, or $50 the day of the party. Proceeds go to the 2012 Humphrey fireworks show. (402-923-0200)

The Norfolk High Marching Band Chili Feed is today (Saturday), from 4 till 7pm, in the Norfolk High School Cafeteria.  Get a bowl of soup, cinnamon roll and a drink for $5, and support the pride of the Panthers.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

The Norfolk VFW is serving breakfast today (Sunday), from 8:30am till 12:30pm. It’s all you can eat scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, hash browns and pancakes, juice and coffee. Cost is $5.50 for adults, and $3 for kids 6 to 12. Proceeds go toward the VFW and Vets Home.

The Boone County Health Center is offering “Healthy Marriages 101,” today (Sunday) at the Gateway Theater in Albion. A Sunday matinee of “Fireproof” will be showing, and concessions will be available. All couples are welcome, and this event is free. (RSVP: 402-395-3165)

St. John Lutheran Church Ladies Aid Green Garden Madison is hosting a Soup and Pie Dinner today (Sunday) from 10:30am till 1pm, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Madison. On the menu: chili, chicken noodle and broccoli cheese soup, sandwiches, hot dogs, homemade pies and desserts, for a free will offering. Supplemental funds provided by Thrivent.

A Soup Dinner is being held today (Sunday) from 11am till 1pm, at Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home in Newman Grove. A free will donation will be accepted, and proceeds will be used for dining room renovaions.  (402-447-6203)

Artist Ann Marie McTaggart of Sioux City will present an exhibit of her work today (Sunday) at 2pm, at the John G. Heihardt State Historic Site in Bancroft. The entire exhibit will remain on display through March 12th during regular hours.  (888-777-4667)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Wayne State College is hosting the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps tonight (Monday) at 7:30pm, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wayne.  Members of the ensemble will be providing clinics for music students in a variety of areas.  (402-375-7363)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

The Norfolk Senior Center is holding a Quilt Raffle today (Wednesday). Be sure to buy your raffle tickets for a dollar each, or 7 for $5. (402-371-8299)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Preschool Playtime at the YMCA Gymnastics Center is today (Thursday), and every Thursday from 10:45 till 11:45am. This is open to members and  non-members, and a drop-in fee applies. (402-371-9770)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18

The 52nd Annual Lions Club Pancake Feed is today (Saturday), from 6am till 6pm, at the Norfolk City Auditorium.  Tickets are $5 for adults, and $3 for kids under 12, and can be purchased from all Lions members and at Motoplex of Norfolk, Zoubek Oil, Putters Jewelers, the Karpet Shop, Eastern Auto Service, Wetzel & Truex Jewelers and Prime Sanitation.

The Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska’s Dinner and Philanthropy Awards Ceremony is being held tonight (Saturday) at the Divot’s Conference Center.  Social Hour begins at 5:30, with dinner and the awards presentations to begin at 6:30. (402-844-7056, Courtney@northeast.edu, philanthropycouncilne.org)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19

The Norfolk VFW is serving breakfast today (Sunday), from 8:30am till 12:30pm. It’s all you can eat scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, hash browns and pancakes, juice and coffee. Cost is $5.50 for adults, and $3 for kids 6 to 12. Proceeds go toward the VFW and Vets Home.

The Stanton FFA Alumni is having their annual pancake feed today (Sunday) at the Stanton VFW from 7am till 1pm.  A free will offering will be accepted, and all proceeds will go to help FFA members with convention, conference and contest expenses throughout the year.

Wayne State College is hosting the 2012 International Dinner and Entertainment Night tonight (Sunday) in the Frey Conference Suite from 6 to 9pm, Admission is $10 per person. Learn about different cultures through food, international dances, songs, and other entertainment.  The atmosphere is family-friendly and gives everyone a chance to meet the international students attending Wayne State College.  (402-375-7321)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Creighton Immunization Clinic today (Tuesday), from 10 till 2, at the Goldenrod Hills Building in Creighton.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

The Center for Rural Affairs is holding the 6th Annual MarketPlace Rural Entrepreneurship Conference today (Wednesday), at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in Kearney.  Joanne Steele, CEO/Owner of the Rural Tourism Marketing Group in Dunsmuir, California will be the opening keynote speaker. This full-day event includes high quality educational sessions and exhibitor booths with abundant networking opportunities. (402-873-4027, shawnnas@cfra.org)

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Plainview Immunization Clinic today (Wednesday), from 10 till 2, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Plainview.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Preschool Playtime at the YMCA Gymnastics Center is today (Thursday), and every Thursday from 10:45 till 11:45am. This is open to members and  non-members, and a drop-in fee applies. (402-371-9770)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

There is a 2-day Scrapbooking Retreat at the Randolph City Auditorium today (Friday), from 1pm till 1am, and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am till 2pm. (402-337-1108)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

The Boone County Health Center is offering “Healthy Marriages 101: Love Languages,” today (Saturday) at the KC Hall in Elgin. Appetizers will be served at 6:30pm, followed by a motivational presentation by Paul Springer and Richard Bischoff of UNMC. All couples are welcome, and this event is free. (RSVP: 402-395-3165)

Norfolk’s After 5 and Women’s Connection invite all area women to an Afternoon Tea. Wear your favorite hat & gloves, and bring along your favorite tea cup, if you wish.  Maynard Thompson from Health Works Natural Foods Store will explain the benefits of tea and all the different kinds of tea. Julie Johansen Couch will provide music, and high school counselor Melanie Denney will deliver the message, “Traveling the Road of Life.” It’s today (Saturday) from 2 till 4pm, at the Time Square Event Center in Norfolk.  Cost is $12.50 inclusive. (402-371-0363, 402-844-3545)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Northside Community Center in Madison is holding a Brunch today (Sunday) from 10am till 12:30pm. on the menu: biscuits & gravy, scrambled eggs, tri-taters, fruit cup, juice, coffee and mild. Cost is $3.25 for 60 and up, $7 for 60 and under, adn $3.50 for 7 and under. Carry-outs are also available. (402-454-2121)

The Norfolk VFW is serving breakfast today (Sunday), from 8:30am till 12:30pm. It’s all you can eat scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, hash browns and pancakes, juice and coffee. Cost is $5.50 for adults, and $3 for kids 6 to 12. Proceeds go toward the VFW and Vets Home.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Wakefield  Immunization Clinic today (Monday), from 9 till 3, at Evangelical Covenant Church in Wakefield.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Madison Immunization Clinic today (Tuesday), from 10 till 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

Preschool Playtime at the YMCA Gymnastics Center is today (Thursday), and every Thursday from 10:45 till 11:45am. This is open to members and  non-members, and a drop-in fee applies. (402-371-9770)

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

Dine out at Papa Murphy’s in Norfolk today (Tuesday) between 3 and 7pm, and a portion of the sale will be donated to Sacred Heart School’s Home and School Association. (402-841-4016)

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

Preschool Playtime at the YMCA Gymnastics Center is today (Thursday), and every Thursday from 10:45 till 11:45am. This is open to members and  non-members, and a drop-in fee applies. (402-371-9770)

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

The Authier Miller Pape Cornea-huskers are selling tickets for their Annual Fashion, Food and Fun for Relay, which is being held tonight (Tuesday). Enjoy a night of fashion, food and fun for her from 5:30 till 8:30pm at Auther Miller Pape. Tickets cost $10, and are available at Authier Miller Pape Eyecare or from any team member.  All proceeds go to the Norfolk Relay for Life.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

The Boone County Health Center is offering “Healthy Marriages 101: Rock Solid,” today (Friday) at the Albion Country Club. “3 Rocks & a Pocket” will be performing from 7:30 till 10:30pm. All couples are welcome, and this event is free. (RSVP: 402-395-3165)

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

Glad Tidings Bible Camp is hosting their Annual Sportsman’s Retreat today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday). This event is for men in grades 6 through 90 years old.  There will be speakers, archery instruction, supervised outdoor shooting ranges for rifle, muzzleloader, revolver, clay pigeon, and 3-D archery, as well as workshops, a silent auction and a swap meet.  Cost is $40, and includes meals and housing. Kids do best with an adult sponsor.  (402-373-4433, 402-373-2797)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4

Dine out at Valentino’s in Norfolk today (Wednesday) between 5 and 8pm, and a portion of the sale will be donated to Sacred Heart School’s Home and School Association. (402-841-4016)

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

TUESDAY, MAY 1

Present a certificate when you dine out at Applebee’s in Norfolk today (Tuesday) between 11am and 10pm, and a portion of the sale will be donated to Sacred Heart School’s Home and School Association.  Certificates can be obtained at Norfolk Catholic Schools, and at the Sacred Heart Parish Office.  (402-841-4016)

FRIDAY, MAY 11

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

FRIDAY, JUNE 8

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

FRIDAY, JULY 13

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

The Widowed, Divorced and Separated will be playing pitch tonight (Friday) at First Congregational Church in Norfolk, beginning at 7:15.  Any widowed, divorced or separated are invited to join the group. (402-379-0746, 402-841-0494)

OTHER "WHAT'S ROCKIN" ITEMS

Tickets are now on sale for The 52nd Annual Lions Club Pancake Feed, to be held Saturday, February 18th, from 6am till 6pm, at the Norfolk City Auditorium.  Tickets are $5 for adults, and $3 for kids under 12, and can be purchased from all Lions members and at Motoplex of Norfolk, Zoubek Oil, Putters Jewelers, the Karpet Shop, Eastern Auto Service, Wetzel & Truex Jewelers and Prime Sanitation.

Northeast Nebraska RC&D will be holding E-Waste Recycling Events every Thursday and Saturday in February, at the RC&D Office in Plainview.  Hours are: Thursdays 3 to 5pm, and Saturdays 10am till noon.  Everyone is welcome to bring their electronic waste, which includes computer components, TV’s and small appliances.  A small fee will get rid of these items for you.  402-582-4866.

Girl Scout cookies are now on sale. This year, there will be no waiting for your cookies – you’ll get them when you place your order. Support your local Girl Scouts. (402-369-3938)

NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska is a non-profit organization offering Homebuyer Education classes to the public.  Upcoming classes are being held on Saturdays through April in Norfolk and Columbus.  Cost is $25 per household, and pre-registration is required. Classes in Spanish are also available. (402-379-3311)

It’s time for Lutheran Highs “Upscale Resale” again.  You can drop off your winter party dresses or the prom dresses that you want to sell and then shop for this year’s dress as well.  It’s from 1 till 3pm every Sunday during the month of February.  This is a great way to earn some cash for the dresses you no longer will wear and to purchase a dress at a discounted price.

JUST4JO wants to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day. Order a Valentine’s Balloon Bouquet from Daycos and have it delivered on Valentine’s Day. Bouquets include 1 Mylar Valentine Balloon, 3 Latex Balloons and candy. Pick it up yourself for just $7.50 or have it delivered for $10. (402-379-1440, brandic@daycos.com, angelal@daycos.com)

JUST4JO is ready to kickoff the Relay season with a commemorative 2012 Relay shirt prepared just for the Norfolk Area with the phrase “Even in the darkest hour, there is HOPE!” Order your t-shirt today for just $12 or get a long-sleeved shirt for $15. Add $2 for any 2X and up. Youth sizes are also available. (402-379-1440, brandic@daycos.com, tami@daycos.com)

Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs coordinated by the IRS provide free tax return preparation, information, and assistance to low income individuals.  Volunteers are specially trained to help with special credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and others. This service is provided through Goldenrod Hills Community Action. (402-529-3513, 800-445-2505)

Northeast Nebraska Humane Society is raising funds to build a shelter north of Norfolk which will serve all of Northeast Nebraska.  Until the shelter is built, the group is helping homeless animals through a network of foster care volunteers.  It’s a very rewarding experience and saves the life of an animal.  (debday@telebeep.com, 402-316-4848)

The Norfolk Elks Lodge is again collecting deer and elk hide, to be processed and given to the Elks National Veterans Service Commission, for use in their Veterans Leather Program. The hides are made into specially designed gloves and other items  for hospitalized veterans. (402-841-6141)

Northeast Nebraska Humane Society 2012 Calendars are available now for $12 each at Healthy Paws on Benjamin Avenue in Norfolk.  All proceeds from calendar sales go to the shelter building fund.

The 15th annual Norfolk Hoops Classic boys basketball tournament will be held March 3rd and 4th.  The entry fee is one hundred dollars, with a 3-game guarantee. The tournament is for boys in grades 5 through 8, with several divisions for each age group.  Deadline to register is February 10th.  (402-750-1771, 402-379-1415)

Preschool Playtime at the YMCA Gymnastics Center is held every Thursday from 10:45 till 11:45am. This is open to members and  non-members, and a drop-in fee applies. (402-371-9770)

Sign up for Spring Education at the Norfolk Arts Center. Classes in everything from preschool art to stained glass watercolors to yoga will be offered. For a complete list of available classes, visit norfolkartscenter.org.

Applications for the Norfolk Downtown Community Garden are available at First United Methodist Church.  Spaces will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.  Garden plots are available to individuals, families, and groups.  Some gardening education activities are being planned for this year as well.  (402-371-2785)

The Statue of Liberty in Norfolk’s Central Park needs your help. In 1950, the Boy Scouts raised money and installed this statue, but now it needs to be refurbished. The estimated cost to return this statue to its original condition will be around 10 to 15 thousand dollars. [Send donations to Preserve Norfolk, Little Sister of Liberty, PO Box 819, Norfolk, NE 68702-0819] (402-316-3115, 402-371-5433)

There are a wide variety of classes for both youth and adults at the Norfolk Arts Center.  Look at what is being offered and register for a class or two today! For more information, you can visit norfolkartscenter.org.

Find great buys at the Norfolk Public Library’s Book Sale. Non-fiction, fiction, large print books and more, on sale for 50 cents a bag.  (402-844-2100)

The American Cancer Society is looking for certified beauty professionals for the “Look Good…Feel Better” program.  Trained volunteer cosmetologists teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. (402-393-5801)

The Nebraska Alfalfa Marketing Association will launch an online alfalfa evaluation tool at the upcoming Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference, to be held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney, Nebraska, February 7 and 8.  There will be several speakers at this event.  Registration is $10 per person in advance, or $20 at the door, and includes admission to all presentations and programs, a reception, dinner, alfalfa industry trade show, and fundraising auction.  (800-743-1649, AlfalfaExpo.com)

The American Cancer Society provides information, day-to-day help, and emotional support to people with cancer and their families.  ACS wants to help patients get well and best of all, all their help is free!  Call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org for more information.

On display at the Norfolk Arts Center now through March 1st: “Blazing the Wax Trail: Nebraska Encaustic Artists.”  Encaustic painting involves using heated beeswax with color added. (402-371-7199)

The Northeast Nebraska Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering classes in Wayne and Norfolk, where you can learn CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator, Water Safety, Swimming, Lifeguard Training, Home and Work Safety Instructor Courses, Babysitter Training, Pet First Aid.  (402-375-5209, 402-371-0393)

Behavioral Health Specialist’s Youth and Family Services is looking for safe and loving homes for children. They offer training with 24/7 on-call support. Full time, one weekend a month, or even on-call homes needed. Serving Norfolk, O’Neill, Columbus and Fremont areas. (402-370-3140)

The American Cancer Society offers a variety of services to cancer patients enduring side effects of treatment, including a wig bank in Albion that will supply wigs, hats, scarves and turbans to cancer patients free of charge.  The new wig bank is located in Heads & Beds.  (402-395-6581)

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 402-371-9599.

Norfolk Public Library has book discussion groups for adults and teens. Adult groups meet monthly on the last Tuesday of the month, and the last Wednesday morning of the month.  The teen group meets monthly on a Saturday afternoon. Newcomers are always welcome. (402-844-2100)

The Norfolk Public Library invites new and veteran needle crafters to a relaxing and informal time to do needlework, share information, patterns and skills, talk about books, and meet others interested in needle arts. “Needles, Hooks and Books” meets in the Norfolk Public Library Meeting Room from 2:30 to 4pm on Saturdays. (402-844-2108)

The Norfolk VFW serves breakfast every Sunday from 8:30am till 12:30pm. It’s all you can eat scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, hash browns and pancakes, juice and coffee. Cost is $5.50 for adults, and $3 for kids 6 to 12. Proceeds go toward the VFW and Vets Home.

The Norfolk Salvation Army offers several programs for the community to enjoy, including zumba classes, an after school kids club, teen club on Friday nights, and more.   Visit SANorfolk.org to find out more.  (402-379-4663)

Norfolk Public Library hosts a monthly Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group. The group meets at 10am on the last Wednesday of each month at the library, and welcomes any adults that enjoy reading and discussion. (402-844-2100)

Goldenrod Hills Community Action holds the Norfolk Immunization Clinic Tuesday through Thursday from 8am till 4:30pm, and Mondays and Fridays by appointment, at 1405 Riverside Blvd.  GHCA’s Health Services Program also provides lead screening to children ages 1 to 6 for a fee of $10. (402-529-3513)

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 402-644-7314 or 402-454-3304, and you will be on your way to tasting fresh air!