Elmwood News - May 27, 2020

  Cass County News  Library News  Village Office Update  SUBMIT NEWS   

 To make sure you don't miss a single newsletter text ELMWOOD to 72727 and get a text link.   

Memorial Day Services

Memorial Day services were different this year. We did not gather in the traditional way we have in the past. But our veterans and military members who did not return home were still honored. In Elmwood the American Legion Post 247 gathered in the cemetery and honored our fallen. 

Rob Clements still played taps and many of us watched and observed from our cars. 

Rob Clements still played taps and many of us watched and observed from our cars. 

Many of our community members participated in virtual Memorial Day observances. Jeff Johnston was the planned Memorial Day speaker and you can listen to his speech here.

Jeff Johnston and Bonnie Brewer had the honor of representing Legion Post 247 by serving as Honor Guard Sentinels at the state capitol rotunda on Memorial day during Nebraska Veterans Administration's online event to create Nebraska's largest Memorial Day celebration -- with the fewest people present in the room. The event started at 8 a.m. and continued until 8 p.m. this evening, with changing of the guard every half hour.

It seemed the cemetery was especially beautiful this year. Not only were the American flags placed at the white crosses of our veterans, but flowers adorned so many family memorials. If you have a chance go and visit. Read the names on the headstones and remember. 

Let's not honor our fallen veterans on just one day though, or just at the cemetery. This year should be a lesson to remember them all year round and not take days like this for granted. Thank their families. Pray for our military members and their families. Support our veteran's organizations, museums throughout the year. 

Next year we will be back together and I am sure many of us will appreciate it even more. 

Nebraska Phase 2 Health Guidelines starting June 1, 2020

I want to thank everyone for their cooperation during this difficult time with Coronavirus in our state and nation. On May 21st, Governor Ricketts outlined relaxed restrictions starting June 1st for most of Nebraska. The exceptions are the counties of Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, and Dakota.

A summary of the high points follows:

Limited contact team sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball, and rodeo may begin practices on June 1st, and begin competitions on June 18,, 2020.

Bars and Restaurants may open at 50% of rated capacity, with appropriate group size and group spacing.

General gatherings are limited to the greater of 25 people or 25% of rated capacity, with larger venues submitting reopening plans to local health departments for approval. Our local health department is Sarpy/Cass Health, at 701 Olson Dr #101, Papillion, NE 68046, 402-339-4334.

Gyms, Fitness Centers, Salons, Barber Shops, Massage Therapy, Tattoo Parlors, Wedding and Funeral Reception venues may hold the greater of 25 people or 50% of their rated capacity. Six-foot social distancing and other specific requirements apply to each of these venues.

Summer is the season for parades in Cass and Sarpy County. Unfortunately, parades where the public line the streets are prohibited through at least June 30th, and perhaps longer. Parades where patrons remain in vehicles and the public does not line the streets are allowed.

State park camping season has begun. However, through June 30th, the largest state parks, including Louisville SRA, allow RV-only camping by reservation only. Other state parks will allow first-come-first-serve tent camping with groups of no larger than 8 spaced 25 feet apart. Beaches and park showers will be closed. For more specific information, please visit www.outdoornebraska.gov

To learn more about these Phase 2 restrictions as they apply to your specific interest, please visit dhhs.ne.gov click on the “LEARN” link, and then “Directed Health Measures” to access Phase 2 Outline of Changes. The Directed Health Measure (DHM) documents for each county are also available on this page.
Visit nema.nebraska.gov/news for broader statewide information and updates.

If you think you need a COVID-19 test or just want to participate, go to TestNebraska.com for a survey. Health officials will contact you if testing needs to occur. The survey only takes a couple of minutes and is used for test site planning purposes.

Please consider helping area food pantries that are under pressure to provide food for those in need. The number one item in demand is milk but some pantries do not have the needed refrigeration capacity for perishables.

The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) created a fund that will give $4,000 to a local pantry for the purchase of additional refrigeration space. If you are interested in contributing or know a local food pantry who would like to apply, please visit www.becomefan.org or call 402-421-4472 for more information.

I know this is a tough time in Nebraska, but I am encouraged to see some “light at the end of the tunnel” as restrictions are loosened around the state, and life begins to slowly return to normal. I would like to express my deepest sympathy for those who have been affected by this crisis. May God bless you and your families during this time.

Should you need assistance or have questions, feel free to contact my office at 402­471­2613 or email me at rclements@leg.ne.gov.

Farmers Market is Opening!!

The Farmers Market starts in just two weeks. Many of us are getting ready. Are you? 

This year vendors are asked to set up on the grassy areas alongside the new park sidewalks. We can do a better job of social distancing and there will be more parking for customers. We are also getting BIG wavy signs to put up to attract customers. More vendors will have shade tents, I just bought mine. 

The Elmwood Farmers market is only two years old and last year bought more customers than the first year. This year will even be better. Rumor has it fresh spinach and lettuce will be available the first week.

Join our Facebook group and stay up to date on who will be showcasing their produce, baked goods, and other items. Ask if anyone is bringing eggs, honey, cinnamon rolls. 

So far we have been hearing people are looking for 

Eggs

Honey

Cinnamon Rolls

Muffins

Jelly/Jam

If you have any of the above please consider stopping by on Saturday mornings at 8:00 am. There is no commitment to stay the whole time. Stay until you sell out. Which may only be an hour in some cases.

Easy Library Links

Online Card Catalog https://elmwoodpubliclibrary.follettdestiny.com/ 

Libby Library App https://help.libbyapp.com/index.htm

 NebraskAccess

Reminder, if you’re leery to go out, but need something to read, try either the Libby or Overdrive app. Use your card # and the PIN number (streeter) to see available titles online.

It's easy to get a library card and borrowing electronic books can be done on your tablet or Kindle. It's an easier process. Anyone can be a library member. Even if you live in another town or state. Did you grow up here and want access to thousands of free books. 

It's just $10.00. Really. When you are visiting stop by and find out how to become a member. 

Access digital media! Audiobooks, eBooks, magazines! There's a new library app called, "Libby" to help you with all of your things. Works much easier than OverDrive! Try it out on your phone, computer or other device today!

 Spread the word about the Elmwood Public Library!

Visit the Overdrive website for more information on checking out electronic books and media. 
www.help.overdrive.com  

Elmwood -Murdock Area

Cancellations, Postponements, Modifications

Memorial Day Cemetary Ceremony- CANCELLED, modified

4th of July Celebration

Parade, watermelon fest, luncheon are CANCELLED this year

The Quonset Bar & Grill 

Seating for 22

NO bar seating
NO drinking without having food
NO moving tables cuz need to be 6ft apart
NO parties larger than 4-6
Staff must wear a mask
People must be from the same household at the tables
Always doing TAKE OUT!
Hours Tuesday-Friday 11 am-8 pm
Remaining closed on Saturday's for now

Round the Bend Steakhouse RTB 

They have opened up the back and seating capacity is 187 in the ballroom.

The tables are 10 feet apart. For now, carry out and delivery is still available. 

Bit's N' Pieces 

Shopping by appointment (preferably mornings).

 Community Center - sack lunches provided, other activities canceled

Bess Streeter Aldrich House - no open hours, or educational workshops

Hilary Johnson Dance Studio - closed, see live classes 

Elmwood Library - See above, Limited services

Bulldogs - Social distancing, and take out. 

Trinity Lutheran Church (Murdock) - two Divine services with social distancing 8:30 & 10:30 am

Contact Pastor Kuhlman via text, email or phone call (402-867-4048 / kuhlman.brent@gmail.com) for a seating assignment.

St. Paul United Methodist Church - in-person services CANCELLED, ONLINE SERVICES live on Facebook 

Elmwood Christian Church

Virtual Sunday Services via Zoom. Stay in touch with your congregational members.

Come on in at 9:30 am for some socializing and catching up.

Service starts at 10:00 am

Nebraska DHHS COVID-19 Information Line is open 8 am-8 pm 7 days a week: 402-552-6645

Omaha Metro Area COVID-19 Information Line is open 8:30 am-4 pm 7 days a week: 402-444-3400

For the most up-to-date information on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), please click here.

The lastest COVID-19 information can be found on the Sarpy/Cass County Health Website

National Coronavirus Update: Question and Answers

 Elmwood Village Board & Office

 The Vaccination and Nail Trimming Clinic has been canceled this year. 

But the Village Board is encouraging you to contact Spay USA for low-cost spay/neuters and vaccinations. 

Spay USA will not cover the full cost of surgery but will subsidize a percentage of the cost based on the number of cats and the available low-cost options in the area. Before applying for funding please select the spay & neuter clinic or veterinarian office that you will be using. If you need assistance finding a low-cost option in your area, please call us (800) 248-7729.

The Nebraska Humane Society also offers low-cost spay/neuters and vaccinations. 

Rabies vaccine (required by law for animals older than 12 weeks of age): $10
Distemper/parvo vaccine (DAPPV): $10
Kennel cough vaccine (Bordetella): $10
Heartworm Test: $15
Hernia Repair: $15

Virtual meeting for members of the public.

We will NOT be allowing members of the public into the meeting.

They can call or stream the meeting with this link. It will be active at 7:00 pm on the first and 3rd Wednesdays of the month.

https:us02web.zoom.us/j/8346584962 

Mtg ID: 834 658 4962

Dial- In Option 1 312-626-6799

If someone wishes to see the packet of information you can call or email and they will have it ready.

villageofelmwood@msn.com or 402-994-6705

Board Minutes are normally house on the website HERE.

4-15-2020_Minutes_Elmwood.pdf

But with the changes in the Village Clerk, they are a little behind.

We are working on getting the minutes updated. Please be patient they will be coming.

 Take It Or Leave It Pantry

The activity at the Elmwood Take-it-or-Leave food pantry is bustling. We can use more donations.

The free pantry is here to serve our community. It is for neighbors helping neighbors. Take what you need or leave what you can.

Those who wish to contribute may do so at their discretion when convenient.  If the box if full please bring your items back later. So what should you contribute? During this coronavirus situation, there will be an increased need for healthy snack items for kids. Obviously items like toilet paper, sanitizer may be needed by many. 

Please avoid harsh strong-smelling chemicals that may transfer to food items. 

Here are some ideas that may be useful:

• Pasta
• Canned or boxed pasta (macaroni & cheese is popular)
• Canned soup
• Granola bars
• Fruit snacks
• Dry pasta
• Spaghetti sauce
• Dry soup mixes
• Canned meat (chicken, tuna etc)
• Boxed prepared meal kits (hamburger helper etc)

Elmwood #LittleFreePantry

The Little Free Pantry is located between Hufstader Chiropractor, the Elmwood Meat Market, and the Village Hall.

To learn more about the program and find Little Free Pantry in your area visit their WEBSITE

Elmwood Volunteer Fire Department

The Elmwood Fire Department took a tip from Murdock and is volunteering to shop for those who need to stay at home due to age or are immune suppressed. 

Send your updates, announcements, and photos of the events, at editor@elmwoodnebraska.com

   Don't forget to send me your news 

We are currently serving hard ice cream in dishes.
we have 8 different flavors to choose from.

Elmwood C Store
402-994-3305

---------------------

Area News    

Closed Pool Updates and News

Eagle and Weeping Water Pools will NOT be open this SUMMER. 

Eagle Farmers Market

Opens May 28th at 4 pm to 6:30 pm at 5th and Hwy 34.

Every Thursday thru Sept 3.

Anyone wishing to set up a booth for a month or more can contact Trisha.

$5/month or $10 for the summer

Important Public Announcement
From The Board of Directors of The Lofte Community Theatre:

In an effort to do our part to help flatten the curve of COVID-19, The Lofte Community Theatre will be closed to the public until further notice. Only essential personnel will be allowed in the building during this time.

This means the following changes to our upcoming events and productions:

An Evening With Kaylynn Sahs on March 28 has been canceled. The box office has contacted current ticket holders.
Our opening production, Office Hours, will not take place on April 17-19 and 23-26.
The rest of our season is being re-evaluated as this situation continues to evolve.

We are greatly saddened to have to make these decisions but, the safety and well-being of the community that is the heart of our theatre must come first.

We ask for your patience as we work through this difficult situation. We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation and make any additional adjustments as necessary. Updates on this evolving situation will be made via email, Lofte.org, and social media.

We look forward to having the barn back open and having our Lofte Community together again. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.

---

Bidding will be open online at www.gpsold.com

 

--------------------------------------------------------

Small Business Survival Kit

If you are open for business in local community, please submit your business information here 
(there is no charge for being listed)

 

Zero Hour - Cass Local - Listen Audio

 www.CassLocal.com - Small Business Survival Kit ( Click Here )

A major goal for the CassLocal.com project, was to make small business support as convenient as possible. If you have a small business, you know that job one, is to make your businesses as simple, and convenient as possible to interact with.

The Corona $1200 checks, are starting to arrive this week. We know that some fortunate Nebraskans are not desperate and might consider helping struggling small businesses, Churches and Non-Profit organizations with a donation or better yet buying Gift Cards. We encourage restaurants, bars, basically any small businesses to get a Gift Card account from companies like Square. This is a convenient way for fortunate Nebraskan's to inject life saving cash into the business, in echange for Goods and Services later when the storm passes. None of this is possible, unless you add your business or Organization to www.CassLocal.com free. Any questions? TEXT VM/402-968-0821