Email your community events to: klir@alphamediausa.com.

Now thru November 27 – Neligh Friends of the Library are holding a Silent Auction at the library with bidding going on thru November 27. Auction items are on display at the Neligh Public Library during open hours. All proceeds support family and children’s programs like After School programs, Family Nights, Santa Visit, Summer Reading programs and special presentations.

Now thru December 1 – Columbus Christian School is now taking orders for their delicious homemade holiday fudge! Flavors include traditional chocolate, chocolate walnut, maple nut, hint of mint, peanut butter chocolate, cherry bing, and sweet praline. $18 for one 1 1/2 pound box, $51 for three 1 1/2 pound boxes. Mix and match your favorite flavors! Help support Columbus Christian School by calling 402-562-6470, or order online at www.columbuschristian.org.

Now thru December 6 – Pilger area residents are encouraged to make a donation to the Cooper Community Center Thanksgiving Tree at Midwest Bank in Pilger from November 11th through December 6th. The tree will be decorated with envelopes featuring amounts from $1 to $100. To make your donation, select the envelope of your choice, place your donation inside the envelope and give it to a Midwest Bank teller. Donors are kindly asked to match the dollar amount on the envelope. You’re welcome to make a larger donation, if you wish. For more information, call 402-750-0502.

Now thru Sunday, November 17 – The Platte Valley Playhouse presents “Don’t Hug Me, We’re Family” at the Central Community College Columbus Campus Theater. Showtimes are 8pm Thursday thru Saturday, with a 2pm matinee on Sunday. Reserve your tickets by calling 402-564-7827 for this comedy!

Friday, November 15 – Join Columbus Community Hospital dietitians for Food Thoughts every Friday at the Columbus Wellness Center from 11:30am-12:30pm. This is a free event open to the public. This week’s topic is “Brain Health and Fish”.

Friday, November 15 – Peace Lutheran Church invites everyone to their Soup Supper from 4:30pm-7:30pm at 2720 28th Street, Columbus. Serving chili, ham & bean, and chicken noodle soups, along with desserts and a bake sale.  Hope to see you there!

Friday, November 15 thru Sunday, November 17 – The St. Benedict Center in Schuyler presents “Mystical Guides for the Spiritual Journey”. Learn from the lives and teachings of the great mystics St. Hildegard of Bingen and Julian of Norwich! The sessions consist of initial lecture, individual silent reading of selected texts from the saints, small-group discussion and big group sharing. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated daily. Reconciliation will be available, as well as times of Eucharistic Adoration. Friday, 7:30pm to Sunday after Lunch. Program Fee $60. Rooms per night, single occupancy: $45 plus tax; double occupancy: $37 plus tax. Meals per day: $27.65 plus tax. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com or call (402) 352-8819.

Saturday, November 16 – The Pawnee Senior Center in Genoa is hosting a Hunters Breakfast (for Non-Hunters too!) from 5am-11am. Biscuits & gravy for $8, waffles w/sausage for $8, or complete breakfast buffet for $12. Drinks provided. Homemade cinnamon rolls available for purchase, $2 each or $20 per dozen. Come get fueled up before you enter the field! Non-hunters and sleepy heads can come later, up until 11am! Proceeds will benefit the Genoa Pawnee Senior Center.

Saturday, November 16 – Viaero Wireless invites you to a Husker Tailgate Party and Maximus Restaurant & Lounge in Columbus! Free admission, free food, games, door prizes and, of course, the Husker game on all the TVs! A free will donation will be taken, with all proceeds going to the Columbus Fire Department and First Responders. Doors open at 10am for this fun event!

Sunday, November 17 – A Night To Shine committee is holding a fundraising pancake breakfast at the 1C Sanctuary from 8am-1pm. Serving pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee for $8 per person (5 and under free).  All proceeds will go to help support a prom night for disabled persons.

Sunday, November 17 – The Albion Area Arts Council will present the duo The Talbott Brothers at 3pm at the Boone Central Performance Gym in Albion. FMI contact Paul or Lori Hosford at 402-395-2633.

Sunday, November 17 thru Saturday, November 23 – The Columbus Public Library is holding Food 4 Fines week. Bring in all your late DVD and books! Three cans of food will forgive all the overdue fines on your account. This does not cover damaged or lost books. All donated food will go to the Platte County Pantry. Take advantage of this win-win offer! Bring three cans of food for each account that needs overdue fines forgiven.

Monday, November 18 – The Polk County Health Department will hold an immunization clinic in Osceola from 3:30pm-5:30pm. An appointment is recommended to avoid long periods of waiting. Influenza vaccine is available now. 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 19 – Boy Scout Troop 212 will hold their annual Chili Feed at the American Legion Club in Columbus from 4:30pm-7:30pm. Serving homemade chili, homemade chicken noodle soup, desserts and a drink. $8/adults, $6/ages 6-10, 5 and under are free. Proceeds help pay for Boy Scout Summer Camp.

Tuesday, November 19 – Columbus Community Hospital Occupational Health Services invites you to Walk with a Doc from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the 1C wood gym. 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, and it’s free! It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy good conversation. Walk your own pace and distance. This month Randy Perault of Premier Physical Therapy will talk about Gym, Exercise and Walking For Better Back Health.

Tuesday, November 19 – Columbus Plastic Surgery invites all women to Ladies Night Out from 4pm-8pm at the Healthpark Medical Office Building, Suite 165. Learn about the products and services offered by Columbus Plastic Surgery, enjoy mocktails, appetizers, free samples and giveaways. RSVP to 402-562-3359 or go to www.columbushosp.org.

Tuesday, November 19 – The Neigh Public Library is sponsoring Pub Trivia Night at 7pm at Sly’s Family Bar & Grill. Gather a team of 3-5 people and join in the fun, frivolity and food! Prizes for 1st and 2nd place teams. FMI call 402-887-5140.

Thursday, November 21 – Centro Hispano will host a networking breakfast at the Columbus Chamber Office from 8:30am-10am. This is a free event for all community and business members, and will be bi-lingual. Please RSVP to centrohispanos.com/events.

Thursday, November 21 – Columbus Public Library presents Story Time and Story Art with Mr. H and Miss Peggy in the Children’s Room at 10:30am and 1:30pm. This event is free and open to everyone. This week’s theme is “Happy Thanksgiving!”

Thursday, November 21 – First United Methodist Church is holding their annual Souper Soup Day from 11am-7pm at the parish hall (2710 14th Street) in Columbus. Serving turkey noodle soup and chili, sandwiches (including turkey salad and cheese), and lots of homemade pies!

Thursday, November 21 – Federated Church invites everyone to the 13th Annual Cookies ‘N More from 5pm-7pm at 2704 15th Street, Columbus. Lots of cookies, candies, bars, and homebaked goodies to choose from! We will have free refreshments and door prizes. Pack the box with your own choices and your holiday baking is all taken care of!

Thursday, November 21 – The Columbus Public Library will have our annual Story Walk from 5pm-9pm in the library and at that same time the Friends of the Library are having a book sale! The library will have a wonderfully illustrated children’s Thanksgiving story book set on poster boards for you and your child to read as you walk through the library. At each station there will be a fun prize for your child when they finish reading the pages on the poster. After you finish the story walk you can go to the lower level and check out the amazing prices in the book sale room.

Thursday, November 21 – The Downtown Business Association presents Holiday Tree Lighting on the Square at Frankfort Square in Columbus. Fun from 6pm-8pm, including a living nativity, marshmallow toasting, cookies, hot cocoa and cider, and letters to Santa.

Thursday, November 21 – Market 23 is hosting a Wreath and Wine evening from 5pm-8pm at the store on 23rd Street in Columbus. Enjoy an evening of relaxation and creativity with your friends! Pre-registration is required to choose your wreath color. Cost is $45; call 402-564-2541 to register. This is an adult only event.

Thursday, November 21 – Urban Farm Boutique is hosting a Holiday Cookie Workshop from 6pm-8pm. Get ready for the holidays by learning how to decorate cookies with Royal Icing with the talented Lynn Bygland. All supplies provided; take home half a dozen cookies! Class size is limited to 25, so call 402-270-5210.

Thursday, November 21 – Meridian Gardens is hosting an educational series on dementia 7pm-9pm. It will review communication tips and tools to use in every day interactions with those with dementia and hear stories of families and caregivers. The series focuses on the teachings of M. Heather McKay, award winning occupational therapist and dementia care specialist. Sessions are free and refreshments provided. FMI call 402-564-6300.

Thursday, November 21 thru Sunday, November 24 – The Columbus Women’s Club presents the 40th Annual Festival of Trees in the Columbus Art Gallery, lower level of the Columbus Public Library. Thursday 12pm-8pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm-4pm, and Sunday 1:30pm-4pm. There will also be a Sweet Shoppe with delicious homemade goodies for purchase, and raffle drawings (tickets $1 each or 6 for $5). Get into the holiday mood with these beautifully decorated themed Christmas trees! Tickets for the festival are $5 in advance, or $6 at the door, $3 for ages 6-12, and 5 and under free. Ticket price includes cookies and a beverage. Tickets available from Women’s Club members, Art Editions, Tooley Drug or the Columbus Art Gallery. Proceeds go to organizations in our community.

Friday, November 22 – Columbus Community Hospital presents a free lunch and learn, “Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Holiday Spectacular” from 11:30am-1pm in the third floor conference center. Susan Olmer will demonstrate the use of instant pots and other pressure cookers. Registration includes a light lunch, and holiday recipes to take home. To register, go to www.columbushosp.org or call 402-562-3380.

Friday, November 22 – Join Columbus Community Hospital dietitians for Food Thoughts every Friday at the Columbus Wellness Center from 11:30am-12:30pm. This is a free event open to the public. This week’s topic is “Advice For Holiday Cooks”.

Friday, November 22 – St. Bonaventure Parish presents A Night of Entertainment with the Chad Lee Band at Ag Park in Columbus. 5:15pm social hour and silent auction, 6:30pm dinner, 7:30pm grand auction followed by entertainment. There will also be a raffle and Final Call for tables and chairs for the new parish center. Tickets are $60 and are available at St. Bon’s Rectory. All proceeds go to build excellence in the parish and school. Everyone is welcome!

Friday, November 22 – The Colfax County Senior Citizens Center in Schuyler is hosting their annual Soup Supper Buffet and Silent Auction at The Center from 5pm-7pm, $8 at the door for all you can eat soup plus sandwiches. Silent Auction will end at 7pm and winners will be announced that evening. This is a fundraiser for The Center. Everyone is invited!

Friday, November 22 – Friends of Music presents A Jazzy Little Christmas with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. This show combines classic holiday tunes and sacred seasonal favorites. The concert is at 7pm at the Nantkes Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the door or from any Friends of Music member.

Saturday, November 23 – First Faith United Methodist Church of Grand Island is hosting a Holiday Craft Fair at 4190 W Capital Avenue in Grand Island from 9am-3pm. There will be a bake sale, homemade noodles, quilts, tile art, table toppers, paintings, floral arrangements, various wood crafts, and so much more! Many beautiful and unique holiday gifts for everyone!

Saturday, November 23 – The Eagles Ladies Auxiliary presents the Holiday Craft Fair at the Eagles Club in Columbus from 9am-4pm. Shop 40 tables of crafts and vendors. Admission is a free will donation or a donation of canned food. All proceeds will go to Children’s Blue Ribbon for Foster Care and Javelan Service Dogs for Heros and Vets.

Sunday, November 24 – The Bellwood Volunteer Fire Department is hosting an all you can eat pancake, egg and sausage feed from 10am-2pm at the Bellwood Elementary School. $8/adults, $5/ages 5-12, free/under 5 years. Proceeds go to support the Bellwood Volunteer Fire Department.

Sunday, November 24 – Connection Christian Church will be hosting our annual Chili Cookoff immediately after Sunday service on November 24th! Competitors can bring their chili before service or after service and we will begin serving at noon! There will be hot dogs for the kiddos or for adults who enjoy a chili dog! Join us for an afternoon of fellowship and food!

Sunday, November 24 – The Columbus Jazz Orchestra will be performing their Christmas Show at Maximus Restaurant & Lounge (329 23rd Street, Columbus) from 6pm-8pm. Admission is free for the family friendly event.

Monday, November 25 – Columbus Public Library presents Monday Night Book Adventures in the Children’s Room from 6:30pm-7:30pm. This event includes a story, craft and bedtime snack, and is free and open to everyone. This week’s theme is “Time To Give Thanks!”

Tuesday, November 26 – The 2019 Business Hall of Fame will be held at the Ramada in Columbus. Social hour at 5:30pm, dinner at 6:30pm, followed by the awards and inductions. RSVP by November 20 at www.thecolumbuspage.com or call 402-564-2769.

Wednesday, November 27 – Are you looking for some yummy treats to put on your Thanksgiving table? Look no further than St. Bonaventure School! They will have a bake sale at the social hall (1604 15th Street, Columbus) from 7am-noon. Homemade goodness at great prices! Sponsored by the Ladies of the Lord organization.

Thursday, November 28 – The Sanctuary (1C Church) will again host the annual community Thanksgiving Banquet from 11am-2pm. Anyone is welcome to attend the event as a guest or a volunteer. Please register on the website: www.1cchurch.com, Click on Community Thanksgiving Meal, then follow the steps through completion (a less than 5 minute process). The committee is asking for monetary donations as well as home-prepared desserts and salads which can be dropped off at The Sanctuary the week of the event between 9am-4pm. The committee is providing 40 pumpkin pies so other flavors are preferred. FMI call 402-270-9366. To sign up for meal delivery please call Judy at 402-835-5511.

Thursday, November 28 – St. Boniface Parish of Elgin invites everyone to the 95th Thanksgiving Bazaar at the parish in Elgin. Serving a turkey and sausage dinner with all the trimmings from 11am-2:30pm, along with games for all ages and raffles. $12/adults, $6/ages 6-12, $4/ages 2-5, free/under 2 years.

Saturday, November 30 – The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to shop in our local stores for this holiday season. On Small Business Saturday, any $100 purchased in Columbus Bucks means $10 FREE as long as the bucks last ($500 per purchase, two purchases per household). The giveaway starts in Frankfort Square at 8am. And an even sweeter deal, many local businesses will be offering a 10% discount on Small Business Saturday if you use your Columbus Bucks! You won’t want to miss out!

Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 – The Turkey Fest Creative Crafters Craft Show will be at the 30 Center Mall in Columbus from 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Lots of talented crafters with beautiful and unique gifts! FMI call Sharon Pohlman at 402-564-1845.

Sunday, December 1 – Bellwood United Methodist Church invites the public to a Soup Supper from 4:30pm-6:30pm at 606 Warren Street in Bellwood. Serving chili and beef noodle soup, relishes and desserts for $7/adults, $4/children 10 and under. Join us for a delicious meal!

Monday, December 2 – The Neligh Public Library hosts a Christmas Bake Sale at the library from 5pm-8pm. Lots of homemade goodies so you don’t have to do all the baking! All proceeds go to the Neligh Friends of the Library.

Wednesday, December 4 thru Friday, December 6 – Platte Valley Literacy Association is holding the 2nd Annual Book Fair at the Columbus Family Resource Center. Hours are Wednesday from 9am-8pm, Thursday from 9am-8pm, and Friday from 9am-1pm. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted. Books make great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers! There will be a large selection of books for all ages, so shop early and shop often!

Friday, December 6 – Columbus Community Hospital Volunteers are hosting the $5 Masquerade Jewelry and Accessory Sale from 9am-4pm in the third floor conference center. Proceeds will fund medical equipment purchases for Columbus Community Hospital.

Sunday, December 8 – St. John’s Lutheran Church in Schuyler, (821 Denver Street) is having a holiday fair. Events include a bake sale beginning at 10:30 am, shoppers mall from 3-7 pm, an all you can eat soup supper serving chili, chicken noodle soup, horn rolls and dessert from 4-7 pm, a drawing and silent auction. All are welcome!

Sunday, December 8 – CHS Vocal Music Booster Craft and Vendor Bazaar, will be at CHS from 10am-4pm! Cookies, baked goods, snacks and a raffle, and 25+ vendors, with proceeds going to the vocal music booster club. Get a jump on your Christmas gift giving and ‘baking’ with a little help from the craft and vendor bazaar!

Sunday, December 8 – Columbus Area Praise Choir Christmas Cantata will perform at the Columbus High School Auditorium at 4pm. This is a free event for the entire family!

Tuesday, December 10 – The Eagles Auxiliary Presents Ladies Holiday Hoopla starting at 4pm at the Eagles Club in Columbus. Laugh, eat, drink and shop with your friends! Shop vendors until 6:45pm, then enjoy a light supper and entertainment from Jeff Quin, comedian & magician. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. Funds raised will go to Children’s Blue Ribbon for Foster Care. FMI call Diane at 402-276-3405.

Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 – The Christmas Rush Creative Crafters Craft Show will be at the 30 Center Mall in Columbus from 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Lots of talented crafters with beautiful and unique gifts! FMI call Sharon Pohlman at 402-564-1845.

Sunday, December 15 – Eagles Arie and Connection Christian Church is hosting A Christmas Celebration With Santa from 2pm-4pm at the Eagles Club in Columbus. Santa will make an appearance; there will also be cookie decorating, an ornament craft, hot chocolate, and a Christmas movie with popcorn. Everyone is invited to this free event!

Wednesday, December 18 – Santa is coming to the Eagles Club in Columbus from 6pm-8pm! There will be photo opportunities, a free craft for children, and the kitchen will be open, serving hamburger & soup night.

Thursday, December 19 – Meridian Gardens is hosting an educational series on dementia 7pm-9pm. It will review communication tips and tools to use in every day interactions with those with dementia and hear stories of families and caregivers. The series focuses on the teachings of M. Heather McKay, award winning occupational therapist and dementia care specialist. Sessions are free and refreshments provided. FMI call 402-564-6300.

Saturday, January 18 – The St. Benedict Center in Schuyler presents “We Are All One Body: The Journey To Christian Unity”, a one-day retreat with Brother Tobias Dammert, OSB. During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we will explore through prayerful reflection what unity in a diversity of brothers and sisters from all Christian denominations could mean for us today. This retreat will close with an ecumenical prayer service, open to all Christians, at 3:30 p.m. Program fee: $ 35. Lunch is available for $ 11.02 (includes tax).  Register at www.StBenedictCenter.com or call
(402) 352-8819.

Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25 – The St. Benedict Center in Schuyler presents “The Spiritual Path: Setting Your Goals With God”, a retreat with Lisa Kelly, M.A. This is a perfect retreat for couples or friends to do together to support each other throughout the year. Friday, 7:30 a.m. to Saturday, closing with a special dedication Mass at 4:00 p.m. Register now at www.StBenedictCenter.com or call (402) 352-8819.

Friday, January 31 thru Sunday, February 2 – The St. Benedict Center in Schuyler presents “Men’s Retreat:  Your Word Is A Light For My Path”, with Benedictines Father Eugene McReynolds, Brother August Schaefer, and Father Thomas Leitner. The schedule of this retreat, which is co-sposored by the Pro Sanctity Movement, includes brief conferences, silence, Mass, Confession, fellowship, and spiritual direction. Open to all ages. Scholarships are available. Friday, 7:30 a.m. to Sunday after lunch. Register now at
www.StBenedictCenter.com or call (402) 352-8819.

Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15 – The St. Benedict Center in Schuyler presents “Discover The Joy Of Forgiveness”, a retreat with Sandy Hoenig, M.A. Make peace with your past so you can go on with your life! Bring a notebook for journaling to the retreat. Friday, 7:30 p.m., to Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Register at www.StBenedictCenter.com or call (402) 352-8819.