What's New

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AARP Nebraska Accepting
2023 Community Challenge Grant Applications

The annual program aims to make communities in Nebraska more livable for people of all ages

LINCOLN, NEB.—AARP Nebraska invites local eligible organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 15 at 4 p.m. CT. Grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, diversity and inclusion, and more. Now in its seventh year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

“AARP Nebraska is committed to helping communities across the state become great places to live for people of all ages with an emphasis on people age 50 and older,” said Todd Stubbendieck, state director of AARP Nebraska. “The Community Challenge has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements enhancing Nebraskans’ quality of life.”

Previous Community Challenge grants have led to impressive results with nearly half of grantees leveraging their projects into additional funding support from private and public sector partners and eight in 10 overcoming barriers and advancing change.

In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities, two of which are new this year. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria. AARP will prioritize proposals that are inclusive, address disparities, and directly engage volunteers age 50 and older.

New this year, the program will provide capacity-building microgrants paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability and starting or expanding a community garden.
Also new this year, the Community Challenge will also offer demonstration grants. A portion will be focused on transportation improvements with funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America. Another portion of demonstration grants will focus on promoting greater awareness of the benefits of accessory dwelling units as a housing solution.
AARP will also offer grants under a flagship opportunity to support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; digital connections; community health and economic empowerment; and new this year community resilience; and civic engagement.
Since 2017, AARP has awarded more than $12.7 million to over 1,060 projects – including 18 in Nebraska – through the Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program provides direct support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.

The application deadline is 4 p.m. CT, March 15, 2023. All projects must be completed by November 30, 2023. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

AARP Nebraska works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Nebraska’s counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages.

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Scatter Joy Acres
(Cell) 402-578-6335
4107 Wavery Road
Murray, NE 68409

                  www.scatterjoyacres.org                  

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 Conestoga High School's Convenience Corner is collecting hygiene items and foods for easy meals needed throughout the school year such as mac and cheese, Ramen noodles, granola bars, etc.

You may drop off donations on Wednesday, Thursday or Fridays, between 10 am and 2 pm at Murray Christian Church, 304 W Young Street. Contact the church office, 402-235-2527 or send email to church2527@windstream.net for more information. 

You may also send items with a high school student or take them to the school. 

Your kindness is appreciated!

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https://www.teamtobaccofree.org/

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Please schedule your blood donation today.

Local Volunteers and Blood Donors Needed 

To Schedule Your Upcoming Blood Drive Donation, click HERE or call 1-800­-RED CROSS (1-800­-733-2767):

Monday, March 27, 2023
VFW Post 2543
510 1st Ave
Plattsmouth, NE
11:30 am ~ 5:30 pm

Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Plattsmouth High School
1916 E Highway 34
Plattsmouth, NE
8 am ~ 2 pm

Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Louisville High School
202 West 3rd St
Louisville, NE
10 am ~ 4 pm

Thursday, May 4, 2023
City Building
101 W Eldora Ave
Weeping Water, NE
Noon ~ 6 pm

About blood donation

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility

Blood drive safety

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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All children need a secure place to learn and grow. The ideal place should be in their own home, however many kids are not that fortunate.

In times of neglect or abuse, a child must sometimes be removed from their home at a moment's noticed and placed in a warm, safe place. Kids of all ages, from birth through high school, sometimes need the help of the Child Saving Institute.

CSI helps foster parents and biological families learn the skills they need for a safe, well-cared-for, and loving family life.During this unsettling time of covid-19, the Murray Christian Church is collecting essential cleaning items for the Child Saving Institute.

If you would like to donate, here are some things they could use:Pine Sol, Lysol Disinfectant Spray, sanitizing wipes, latex and powder-free disposable gloves, (L & XL), and hand sanitizer.

Please bring items to Murray Christian Church, 304 W Young St, Murray, NE on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, between the hours of 10 - 2:00. You may call the church ahead of time, 402-235-2527, to be sure someone will be there to assist you.

Thank you for helping to keep these children, (and the CSI staff), healthy and happy!

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The Conestoga Backpack Program continues to furnish food to local families in need. The program serves the Murray, Nehawka, Union and Beaver Lake areas in southeast Nebraska, and will not turn anyone away.

Just by adding a few of the items listed below to your shopping list and picking them up, you'll be helping someone in a big way. Keep in mind that some of the children are very young and are possibly 'preparing' their own meals, so easy-to-open containers are a good option for little hands.

Also needed are hygienic supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, cotton swabs, tissues and toilet paper.

To make a monetary donation instead, a check made payable to 'CONESTOGA BACKPACK PROGRAM' may be mailed or deposited at Cornerstone Bank, 102 W Main St, Murray, NE 68409. 100% of all monies collected is used for food and hygienic supplies for the families.

To have the items picked up, call Jill at 402-660-3543 to make arrangements. As another alternative, you may drop them off at Cornerstone Bank in Murray or at their Beaver Lake location.

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

KEEP READING about EVENTS in our NEIGHBORING TOWNS

 

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View auction inventory >>

 

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LVFD would like to announce that there will  be two Fish Fries!!
Friday, March 10th
and
Friday, March 31st
5 - 8pm
Louisville, NE Fire Department
Stay tuned for details!

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Lenten Fish Fry Schedule

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EASTER DIORAMA CONTEST at LOUISVILLE, NE PUBLIC LIBRARY!

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LOFTE SEASON TICKETS MAKE GREAT GIFTS! 

PURCHASE NOW AT LOFTE.ORG.

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HELP, PLEASE...

A Syracuse, NE family is needing medical help. Eric Fass, was injured at the Otoe County Fair 15 months ago resulting in a TBI, with his throat & airway collapsing. His wife, Amanda, needs to return to work SOON to keep their health insurance.

The family is looking for an RN or LPN with tracheostomy experience to come to their home southwest of Syracuse to help care for Eric M-F 7:30 am - 5 pm. Since Eric is now on Medicaid, the RN or LPN needs to be employed by Maxim Healthcare. Eric uses an electrolarynx to speak, has a good mind, and is a fighter! His goal is to get better for his family.

Eric hopes to return to farming and being a Syracuse volunteer fireman. Do you or anyone you know might be interested? Possibly a medical/RN student? Please call Amanda for more info at 402-649-6031.

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NEHAWKA, NEBRASKA PUBLIC LIBRARY

 

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CLICK HERE FOR ART WORKSHOPS in SPRINGFIELD, NE!

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Call  for showtimes, 1-800-480-8797, EXT 211.  For more info, leave us a voice mail at the end of  the message and we'll return your call! 

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