Community Calendar

Email your community events to: klir@alphamediausa.com

Now thru December 31 – Building Blocks For Kids Foster Care will be having training classes in North Bend in January. To register for classes or find out more about becoming a foster parent, call Tanya at 402-851-1097.

Now thru December 10 – Columbus Motor Company is asking for the community’s help to fill their Truck of Toys for the Holiday Spirit Coop. People are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy and drop it off in the truck at the Columbus Motor Company showroom. The Truck of Toys will be at the Downtown Stroll on November 15 to kick off the giving season!

Now thru December 1 – Columbus Christian School is now taking orders for their 4th Annual Fudge Fest! Choose from traditional chocolate, chocolate walnut, maple nut, hint of mint, peanut butter chocolate, sweet praline, cherry bing, candy cane or pumpkin praline, all made with real butter! Each box contains 6 pieces of creamy, delicious fudge! $18/1 1/2 pound box made to order, or $51/3 (1 1/2 pound) boxes made to order. Place your order online at www.columbuschristian.org or call the school office at 402-562-6470. These make excellent Christmas gifts!

Now thru Sunday, November 18 – The Columbus Women’s Club invites you to the 39th Annual Festival of Trees at the Columbus Art Gallery in the lower level of the Columbus Public Library. Beautiful decorated trees to get you into the holiday spirit! There will also be a raffle, sweet shoppe and refreshments! Hours are noon-8pm in Thursday, noon-4pm on Friday, noon-4:30pm on Saturday and 1:30pm-4:30pm on Sunday. Cost is $6 at the door, with proceeds going towards various projects in the area.

Friday, November 16 – Jam the Van! It’s a hat, glove and sock drive at Black Hills Energy (3220 19th Street, Columbus) from 8:30am-5:30pm. Donations benefit Center For Survivors, Columbus Rescue Mission, Youth And Families For Christ, Simon House, Comfort Closet and local schools. Drop off donations at the van!

Friday, November 16 – The Heritage at Meridian Gardens invites you to Community Coffee from 10am-11am at 4515 38th Street in Columbus. Grab your friends for free coffee, Danish and conversation, and free blood pressure checks!

Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 – The annual Holiday Market at Keystone Christian Academy will be held at 715 W Madison Avenue in Norfolk. Open Friday from 5pm-9pm and Saturday from 9am-2pm. There will be a variety of fun gifts and goodies at great prices, along with silent auction items and gift certificates. Everyone is invited to com and experience this unique shopping environment. Admission is free! All proceeds benefit students in the community. FMI call 402-371-3531.

Saturday, November 17 – First Faith United Methodist Church in Grand Island will host a Holiday Craft Fair and Bake Sale at 4190 W Capital Avenue in Grand Island from 9am-3pm. There will be homemade noodles, quilts, tile art, table toppers, paintings, floral arrangements, various wood crafts and of course, delicious baked goods! Don’t miss this chance to find beautiful, unique gift items for the holiday season!

Saturday, November 17 – The St. Benedict Center in Schuyler presents “The Spiritual Path: Setting Your Goals With God”, a seminar with Lisa Kelly. Advent is the beginning of a new Church
year; it is also a new year for you and God to walk your spiritual path together. This retreat gives you a process rooted in Ignatian Spirituality to review your year, gather wisdom from it, listen for the callings on your heart, and articulate new goals for the coming year. Adapted from the best-selling life coaching program, Best Year Yet, The Spiritual Path empowers you to bring the Spirit into your future in very practical ways. Please bring your calendars and your journals. This program begins at 9am and ends at 5pm. Registration begins at 8:30am. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, however, lunch is available at the Center for $10.50 (includes tax). If you pay before the program starts. Program fee: $35—Early reservations are appreciated. If you would like to stay overnight, please inquire about room availability. Phone: 402-352-8819 Fax: 402-352-8884 Website: www.StBenedictCenter.com Email: Retreats@StBenedictCenter.com.

Sunday, November 18 – You are invited to the Bellwood Volunteer Fire Department’s Pancake, Egg and Sausage Feed! All you can eat breakfast will be served at the Bellwood Elementary School from 10am-2pm. $8/adults, $5/ages 5-12, free/under 5. Tickets available at the door. Come out and support the Bellwood Volunteer Fire Fighters!

Sunday, November 18 – First Presbyterian Church (802 A Street, Schuyler) will be hosting a Community Thanksgiving Dinner free to the public from 11:30am-1pm. To all those who are in need or just lonely during the holiday season, turkey, ham, potatoes and gravy provided, if you desire please bring a salad or desert, but not required. For additional information please contact us at 402-352-3822. Hope to see you there. Worship at 9:30am to those who wish to attend.

Sunday, November 18 – Market 23 (formerly Red Apple Farmer’s Market Store) is offering craft classes! Today’s craft is Wood Tree Door Hanger. Class is from 1pm-3pm and the cost is $20 for adults only. Stop by the store at 2620 23rd Street (next to Doozy’s) or call 402-564-3541 to register for the class. FMI go to www.facebook.com/Market23.

Sunday, November 18 – The Columbus Jazz Orchestra will be performing a show including holiday music selections. This is the final show of 2018 so come out and enjoy some great music at Maximus Restaurant & Lounge, 329 23^rd Street, Columbus, 6:oopm-8:00pm.

Monday, November 19 – Kick off the holiday season early by attending the 17th Annual Holiday Open House hosted by the CCH Volunteers from 8:30am-3:30pm in the CCH Third Floor Conference Center. Find such items as: handmade kitchen towels, holiday entertaining items, pepper jellies & dip mixes, children’s Christmas books, holiday jewelry, holiday home decor, women’s shawls, mittens and texting gloves, holiday baby items, Christmas plush, nativity decor, Christmas tree ornaments, stocking stuffers, teacher and hostess gifts, and much more! Holiday themed treats will also be served! Proceeds from this event will fund medical equipment and program advancement purchases for Columbus Community Hospital.

Monday, November 19 – The Polk County Health Department will hold an immunization clinic at the Polk County Health Department in Osceola from 3:30pm-5:30pm. Flu vaccine will be available for adults and children. An appointment is recommended to avoid long periods of waiting. Reminder – All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and a record of all previous immunizations is required. Please call the Health Department office (747-2211) with any questions, or to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, November 20 – Columbus Community Hospital Occupational Health Services invites you to Walk with a Doc on third Tuesday of each month. Have fun and join us for a healthy walk. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic; then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and conversation with a doc. It is a great way to get out, get active and enjoy good conversation. Walk your own pace and distance. This is a free community event. This month, Dr. Justin Volkmer will talk on Fractures, Sprains and Strains, Oh My! Meet at the 1C Field House at 5:30pm.

Tuesday, November 20 – The Columbus Community Hospital Foundation invites the public to a free estate planning seminar from 6pm-8pm at the hospital conference rooms. Join attorney Thomas Fehringer and attorney James Fehringer to learn more about the benefits of estate planning. Space is limited, so please RSVP to 402-562-3377 or foundation@columbushosp.org.

Tuesday, November 20 – Want to take charge of your health? Need some ideas on quick, healthy cooking at home? Not sure of what or how to cook? Join Columbus Community Hospital dietitian Joan Plummer RD, LMNT, CDE for monthly healthy cooking classes from 5:30pm-7pm in the Multipurpose Room at the Columbus Wellness Center. This month’s class is “Holiday Spectacular!” The cost of the class is $15 per person per session which includes materials and food samples. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to pre-register, please contact Joan Plummer at 402-562-4462 or go online to www.columbushosp.org.

Tuesday, November 20 – The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Annual Business Hall of Fame at the Ramada River’s Edge in Columbus. Social hour is at 5:30pm and dinner at 6:30pm. Tickets are available at the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.

Thursday, November 22 – 1C Church will serve as the location for the annual community Thanksgiving Banquet. The banquet will feature a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied sweet potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, and a variety of desserts. In addition, volunteers are planning to deliver meals to those who are homebound. The Community Thanksgiving Banquet is slated from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Sanctuary of 1C (2200 28th Ave., Columbus). Anyone is welcome to attend the event as a guest or a volunteer. The committee is asking for monetary donations as well as home-prepared desserts and salads which can be dropped off at The Sanctuary on Wednesday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. or The Broken Mug Coffee Shop on the north side of The Sanctuary from 7-8 p.m. For more information about the Community Thanksgiving Banquet, or to sign up for meal delivery or transportation, please call 1C Church at (402).835.5511.

Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25 – The Turkey Fest Creative Crafters Craft Show will be held at the 30 Center Mall in Columbus from 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. FMI call Sharon Pohlman at 402-564-1845.

Monday, November 26 – Columbus Public Library presents Monday Night Book Adventures in the Children’s Room from 6:30pm-7:30pm. This week’s theme is Sharing Fun! Everyone is welcome to come join this free event for stories, crafts and bedtime snacks! FMI call Brad Hruska at 402-564-7116 #4.

Wednesday, November 28 thru Friday, November 30 – The Platte Valley Literacy Association is holding a a Scholastic Book Fair at 3020 18th Street, Suite 4 of the old Columbus hospital. Open Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-8pm and Friday from 9am-3pm. Come shop and let’s raise readers!

Thursday, November 29 – Columbus Public Library presents Story Time and Story Art with Mr. H. and Miss Peggy! This program is held in the Children’s Room at 10:30am and again at 1:30pm and is free and open to the public. This week’s theme is Cool Cows! FMI call Brad Hruska at 402-564-7116 #4.

Friday, November 30 – As part of the 2018 Boone County Big Give, the Boone County Historical Society will hold an open house at the museum at the entrance to the fairgrounds in Albion from 1pm-5pm. There will be refreshments and local students singing Christmas carols. The public library’s low vision reading machine will also be on display. People are invited to view historical documents on it and to bring their own hard-to-read items to view with this machine. FMI call Pat Boilesen at 402-741-0006 Paul Hosford at 402-395-6727.

Friday, November 30 – The Literacy Council of Grand Island is hosting The Party For A Purpose at the Tommy Gunz Bistro (1607 S. Locust Street, Grand Island). 5:30pm drinks, 6:30pm dinner and event. This is an informal evening of dinner, drinks, wine sampling, raffle and auction. Tickets are $30 per person, or $250 for a table of 8. FMI call 308-385-5515 or email info@giliteracy.org.

Saturday, December 1 – Come and be transported back in time to the night Jesus Christ was born in the small village Bethlehem! This exciting, interactive event is held at Discover Hope International Church inside the 30 Center Mall, Columbus from 5pm-8pm. Come during those times at your convenience and spend as much time as you like! Your family will enjoy this interactive FREE event where you will walk through the Bethlehem market place, meeting shop owners, Roman census takers, shepherds and of course at the stable Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Your children will enjoy stopping at each shop making sandals, head dresses, money pouches, rope, perfume, bread and much more! You will feel like you truly are transported back to Bethlehem and experience the Christmas Story like never before! For more information call: 402-276-0867.

Saturday, December 1 – Market 23 (formerly Red Apple Farmer’s Market Store) is offering craft classes! Today’s craft is Chalk Paint: Distressed Picture Frame or Window Casing. Class is from 1pm-3pm and the cost is $20 for adults only. Stop by the store at 2620 23rd Street (next to Doozy’s) or call 402-564-3541 to register for the class. FMI go to www.facebook.com/Market23.

Saturday, December 1 – As part of the Boone County Big Give, the Albion Area Arts Council, in partnership with the Boone County Fitness Center, will present the popular children’s entertainers The String Beans at 2pm at the Fitness Center in Albion. Admission is free and is made possible by 2017 Big Give contributions. FMI call Paul or Lori Hosford at 402-395-2633.

Sunday, December 2 – The Annual Scotus Mothers’ Craft Boutique will be held at the school from 9am-3pm. 4 area and more than 100 tables of carefully selected homemade and handmade artisans and crafters. Breakfast and lunch will be served, with cinnamon rolls, sloppy joes, chicken noodle soup and homemade pies. Admission is $4/adults, $2/grades 1-6. Shopping and gift inspiration at its best!

Sunday, December 2 – St. John’s Lutheran Church in Schuyler (821 Denver Street) is holding its annual holiday fair on December 2. The events include an all-you-can-eat soup supper from 4-7 p.m. serving chili and chicken noodle soup, horn rolls, relish and dessert., shoppers mall with several vendors from 3-7 p.m., bake sale including jars of soup for sale from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., drawing and silent auction. All are welcome!

Wednesday, December 5 – The Job-Site Safety Institute (JSI) in partnership with National Association of Home Builders and Columbus Home Builders Association is conducting a 4-hour Fall
Prevention in Residential Construction Training seminar for builders, trade contractors, supervisors and workers. This training program focuses on identifying fall hazards in residential construction, as well as, providing attendees an understanding of the OSHA fall protection regulations and safe work practices to prevent fall-related injuries and deaths. This FREE seminar will be held from 8am-12:30pm at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, 753 33rd Avenue. Register at columbushomebuilders.com.

Thursday, December 6 – Columbus Public Library presents Story Time and Story Art with Mr. H. and Miss Peggy! This program is held in the Children’s Room at 10:30am and again at 1:30pm and is free and open to the public. FMI call Brad Hruska at 402-564-7116 #4.

Thursday, December 6 – Market 23 (formerly Red Apple Farmer’s Market Store) is offering craft classes! Today’s craft is Wine Bottle Cheese Board or Dish. Class is from 6pm-8pm and the cost is $16 for adults only. Stop by the store at 2620 23rd Street (next to Doozy’s) or call 402-564-3541 to register for the class. FMI go to www.facebook.com/Market23.

Thursday, December 6 – Boone County’s annual holiday event, “Reason For The Season”, will be held from 4pm-9pm at the Cardinal Inn Event Center in Albion. The Christmas Tree Lane & Vendor Show will feature music and refreshments provided by various groups, churches and businesses. This event is to help those folks in our area who are having a rough time. They possibly have had a catastrophic event, or just an out and out rough year. We are giving folks an opportunity to help provide a wonderful Christmas for these individuals, by taking suggestion cards from the trees provided by area businesses and sharing a gift for someone less fortunate. Approximately 25 crafters & vendors are signed up for the event. Area businesses are sponsoring the Christmas Tree Lane, and a silent auction is also being held. Monetary contributions can be made at Cornerstone Bank in Albion to the Reason for the Season fund. This is a wonderful opportunity to anonymously reach out to those around you with the true gift of giving.

Saturday, December 8 – The Columbus Public Library presents Super Sensational Saturdays! This free event is for families and is held in the Children’s Room from 10am-noon. Come and go as you have time! This month’s theme is “Merry Christmas To All”. Celebrate the holiday by creating beautiful holiday crafts and a decadent seasonal snack!

Saturday December 8 – Market 23 (formerly Red Apple Farmer’s Market Store) is offering craft classes! Today’s craft is Christmas Pine Cone Tree. Class is from 10am-noon and the cost is $10 for an adult and child. Stop by the store at 2620 23rd Street (next to Doozy’s) or call 402-564-3541 to register for the class. FMI go to www.facebook.com/Market23.

Saturday, December 8 – The 2018 Nebraska Jingle Bell Run (sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation) will be held at the Strategic Air & Space Museum Hangar B and Mahoney State Park in Ashland. Registration and check-in at 7:30am; the run will end at noon. This is a timed and untimed 5K and a timed 10K, with a Reindeer Dash for 12 and under. Cost is $15 for Reindeer Dash, $30 Untimed 5K, $35 Timed 5k and $40 Timed 10K, after September 1, prices go up. The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Put on your favorite holiday costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. ’Tis the season to live it up and be jolly for a reason! Bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run or walk, spread smiles and good cheer! 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts go to this great cause. Website: www.jbr.org/nebraska ( to register and find out more information). Contact: Sally Stalnaker, 402-262-0144.

Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9 – The Christmas Rush Creative Crafters Craft Show will be held at the 30 Center Mall in Columbus from 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. FMI call Sharon Pohlman at 402-564-1845.

Monday, December 10 – Columbus Public Library presents Monday Night Book Adventures in the Children’s Room from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come join this free event for stories, crafts and bedtime snacks! FMI call Brad Hruska at 402-564-7116 #4.

Wednesday, December 12 – The Polk County Health Department will hold an immunization clinic at the Polk County Health Department in Osceola from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Flu vaccine will be available for adults and children. An appointment is recommended to avoid long periods of waiting. Reminder – All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and a record of all previous immunizations is required. Please call the Health Department office (747-2211) with any questions, or to schedule an appointment.

Thursday, December 13 – Columbus Public Library presents Story Time and Story Art with Mr. H. and Miss Peggy! This program is held in the Children’s Room at 10:30am and again at 1:30pm and is free and open to the public. FMI call Brad Hruska at 402-564-7116 #4.

Friday, December 14 – Nebraska Christian School in Central City presents A Festival of Lessons & Carols at the school at 1847 Inskip Avenue in Central City. Doors open at 5:30pm and the festival begins at 6:15pm. Tickets are $20 each and are available at the school office. FMI call 308-946-3836.

Saturday, December 15 – Market 23 (formerly Red Apple Farmer’s Market Store) is offering craft classes! Today’s craft is Fizzy Fun Bath Powder. Class is from 10am-noon and the cost is $10 for an adult and child. Stop by the store at 2620 23rd Street (next to Doozy’s) or call 402-564-3541 to register for the class. FMI go to www.facebook.com/Market23.

Monday, December 17 – The Polk County Health Department will hold an immunization clinic at the Polk County Health Department in Osceola from 3:30pm-5:30pm. Flu vaccine will be available for adults and children. An appointment is recommended to avoid long periods of waiting. Reminder – All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and a record of all previous immunizations is required. Please call the Health Department office (747-2211) with any questions, or to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, December 18 – Want to take charge of your health? Need some ideas on quick, healthy cooking at home? Not sure of what or how to cook? Join Columbus Community Hospital dietitian Joan Plummer RD, LMNT, CDE for monthly healthy cooking classes from 5:30pm-7pm in the Multipurpose Room at the Columbus Wellness Center. This month’s class is “Cooking With Whole Grains.” The cost of the class is $15 per person per session which includes materials and food samples. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to pre-register, please contact Joan Plummer at 402-562-4462 or go online to www.columbushosp.org.

Tuesday, December 18 – The Lied Center for Performing Arts presents Harry Connick Jr.: A New Orleans Tricentennial Holiday Celebration at 7:30pm at 301 N 12th Street in Lincoln. FMI or for tickets, go to www.liedcenter.org.

Thursday, December 20 – The Heritage at Meridian Gardens invites you to Signature Cocktail Hour from 5:30pm-6:30pm at 4515 38th Street in Columbus. Grab your friends and join in the fun of a Make N Take Christmas Craft!

Thursday, December 20 – The Lied Center for Performing Arts present A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at 3pm and 7pm at 301 N 12th Street in Lincoln. Chip Davis has created a show featuring Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from Davis’ groundbreaking Fresh Aire series. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller, an American favorite holiday tradition for over 30 years! For ticket information, go to www.liedcenter.org.

Friday, December 21 – The Heritage at Meridian Gardens invites you to Community Coffee from 10am-11am at 4515 38th Street in Columbus. Grab your friends for free coffee, Danish and conversation, and free blood pressure checks!

Tuesday, April 30 – The Lied Center for Performing Arts present Red Green: This Could Be It at 7pm at 301 N 12th Street in Lincoln. FMI or for tickets, go to www.liedcenter.org.

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Columbus Community Hospital Events

Friday, November 16 – Ask the Dietitian from 11:30am-12:30pm at the Columbus Wellness Center. Join Columbus Community Hospital dietitians as they will be available in the Multipurpose Room at the Columbus Wellness Center every Friday to discuss a nutrition topic for 30 minutes and then be available afterwards to answer any individual questions. There is no cost for the class or time with the dietitians. This week’s topic is “Dash Diet: Reducing Hypertension Through Diet & Lifestyle”.

Friday, November 16 – LOUD Crowd Exercise Group at 1:30pm at the Columbus Wellness Center. The LOUD Crowd is a weekly maintenance voice exercise group provided for people with Parkinson Disease or Parkinsonism, who have either participated in SPEAK OUT!® or LSVT LOUD® voice therapy. The group is led by a licensed and certified speech language pathologist. It is designed around a set of exercises that allow individuals to carry over the skills they learned in voice therapy so they are able to keep their voices strong long after therapy has ended. The voice exercise meetings are held every Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Columbus Wellness Center. For more information, please contact Michell Ruskamp, M.S., CCC-SLP at 402-562-3333.

Wednesday, November 21 – Comprehensive Diabetes Class from 9am-11:30am in the third floor conference center. These classes are for those newly diagnosed with diabetes or who have never had diabetes education. A physician order is required and your insurance will be billed. Medicare covers 10 hours of education the first year. Scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required. If you attend all three classes, you may attend a cooking class at no cost or a free personal grocery store tour. For more information or to pre-register, please call 402-562-4462.

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On Going – TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every week on Thursday at 9am at the Columbus Community Center (3111 19th Street, Columbus). Weight loss programs, contests & support from new friends with the same goal. FMI call Lee Leffers at 402-910-3342 or Betty Brichacek at 402-615-0857.

On Going –Youth for Christ Columbus is looking for mentors for teen moms, rolls of duct tape for taping down cords and carpet, and Campus Life games, candy bars and Gatorade, bottled water and pop and volunteers to provide meals for hungry kids after school. If you can help please call 402-564-3700.

On Going – Palmer Wesleyan Church will be hosting Movie Nights on the 3rd Friday of the month at 7pm, doors open at 6:45pm. All events are free of charge and include popcorn and a drink. For more information call 308-894-8345.

On Going-The public is invited to Coffee and Conversation every Friday at 10am at the Cottonwood House in Columbus. They provide the coffee and cake you provide the conversation.

On Going-The Polk County MOPS meets the 2^nd & 4^th Tuesday’s at 9am at the Stromsburg Evangelical Free Church. Free childcare is available.

On Going-WIC Clinics are held in Columbus Monday, Thursday & Fridays, Schuyler on Tuesday & Wednesday, Albion on Thursdays and Fullerton one Thursday a month. FMI call 402-564-9931 ext 202 or 203.

On Going-Al-Anon Support group meeting is held every Saturday at 10am & on Wednesday’s at 5:45 at 12 & 12 in Columbus. Everyone welcome and bring a friend!

On Going –La Leche League of York will host a free breast feeding support group for pregnant and nursing moms and babies from 7-9pm at the Kilgore Memorial Library on the third Tuesday of each month. FMI call Gloria at 402-362-6875.

On Going –The 1^st Saturday of the month from 7:30-10am the 6^th Graders at St. Isidore Grade School will host a recycling day.

On Going – The Alzheimer’s Association will host a support group meeting every 4th Monday of the month at the Columbus Resource Center (3111 19th Street) from 2:30pm-3:30pm. This support group is for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to develop a support system.