Let’s Grow Together!
December 2023, Vol. 1, Ed. 4
Editor-in-Chief: Madison E. M. Garey
From the Editor
Madison Garey
Welcome to the fourth edition of Manely News. As this publication grows, I hope we are able to spread love, joy, and cheer. Not only during the Christmas season, but all year.November blew by with not only flying trash cans, but an overall feeling of gratefulness. For our daily bread and Veterans who have sacrificed themselves for our nation and citizens. Veterans day is one of solemn gratitude. Citizens honor those who have served. The small towns and villages of Platte River Valley, Nebraska held more events than any single veteran could have attended.
Louisville Public Schools students brilliantly executed their program on November 10, 2023. The senior high students were professional in their presentations. The elementary students honored veterans in a heartfelt tune.
Veterans SSGT (R) Will Leavitt and Editor, Madison Garey, after Louisville Public Schools Veterans Day Event November 10, 2023
Attendees were honored to hear from decorated combat veteran, SSGT (Retired) WIll Leavitt. A man who looked death in the face, smiled that JarHead’s smile, and said “not today.” Many sets of eyes were misty by the end of the program.The Southeast Nebraska Community Band performed at the Lofte Community Theatre attracting 150 local veterans. Thank you, small town Nebraska, for really holding to The Good Life.
Manley Calendar
December 10: Village of Manley Christmas Party, 1-4 pm, Community Center
December 14: Board Meeting, 7 pm, Community Center
December 20: Water Bill Due
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 31: New Year’s Eve
Happy Birthday!
Elyse H., December 6, 7 years
Steve S., December 9
Randy M., December 12
Cindy T., December 16
Conner G., December 17, 10 years, “Happy Birthday, buddy! We love you!” ~Mom and Dad
Shawna D., December 24, “Happy Birthday to a wonderful, strong, fun, beautiful, extraordinary woman. I love you momma.” ~Nikki W.
Grandma Wood, December 31, “Happy Birthday!” ~Andrew
Birthday Announcement? Email: name, date, age and message to manleynews@gmail.com
Coffee and Cookies
Madison Garey
To honor and give a gift of thanks to veterans, Manley News hosted a Coffee and Cookies event on November 11th. Soldiers, Seamen, and Marines came and went; shaking hands, trading stories, and munching on cookies and apple cider donuts. Before leaving, each veteran received a gift bag containing over $60 worth of donations from local businesses. Manley News was able to raise over $1,300 in donations in only three days. Manley News is already working to make next year’s event even better.
Thank you to our donors!
Loves
Union Orchard
The Shop
Vape Town
Hill Top Fill Stop
Steve and Marcie LaFleur
Volunteers Needed
Manley Christmas Party: email Coordinator Marcie Lafleur, marcielafleur@gmail.com
Lofte Community Theatre: A Doublewide, Texas Christmas
The Lofte is looking for volunteer ushers, door greeters, car parkers and concession stand attendants. Volunteers get a free t-shirt, popcorn, drink and two open seat admissions. Scatter Joy Acres: Actors Wanted! Live nativity December 16, 5:30-8 PM, warm drinks and treats for those volunteering in 20 minute rounds. Free Will Donation!
Scatter Joy Acres: Actors Wanted! Live nativity December 16, 5:30-8 PM, warm drinks and treats for those volunteering in 20 minute rounds. Free Will Donation!
Cass County 4-H News
Registration for the 2024 4-H year is now open. Participants must register annually. Email tcavanaugh2@unl.edu with questions. Visit 4-H Online to register below.
The Cass County Clovers 4-H Club needs your help! Donate your pop tabs to help support the Ronald McDonald Foundation in 2024. Help our kids gather the most tabs from your favorite fizzy beverages by placing them in the receptacle provided at the Village of Manley Post Office.
Around the County
The Gate of Dissension
Madison Garey
An abandoned old roadway, deep in Cass County, is creating quite a commotion. At least, a gate blocking the treasured trail has created quite a disagreement. On November 13, the Honorable Michael A. Smith’s court was filled with lawyers primarily in attendance for a case regarding Treasure Island Road.
The case indeed seems like something of fiction. Companies want access, personal property lines seem ambiguous, and legitimate concerns regarding vandalism and trespassing abound.
The only remarkable progress is delay. With many professionals, representing many clients, it’s easy to see why the process takes so long. Attorney Tom Mumgaard, pulled from retirement to represent Cass county citizens, said it best, “We want what is equitable for everyone.” His passion for those he serves was obvious.
Yes, Mr. Mumgaard, our citizens deserve justice.
Village of Manley Trial Date (TBD)
Madison Garey
The Village of Manley was again in the Cass County Courthouse. The Schmidt family rallied and was able to submit a verified answer and complaint to the court after the previous dismissal of the case. The Honorable Michael Smith found substantive ground to move forward with a trial.
The hearing will decide if the special use permit requested by the Schmidt family was justly denied by the Village Board of Trustees. Though called to hear the matter expeditiously, Village of Manley Attorney, David D. Chebatoris is unable to attend trial on the offered December 5 or 6 dates.
Manley News is unaware if a trial date has been set.
Culture and Arts
Christmas Movie Review
Andrew Garey
White Christmas (1954) is a holiday movie that everyone can enjoy, with themes of togetherness, love, and feeling significant to others.
After the war, Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) convinces Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) to become entertainers. They later meet two sisters, Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera Ellen), who convince them to travel to a Vermont inn. This inn happens to be managed by their old general, Waverly, who is in financial trouble. Meanwhile, Phil and Judy try to get Bob and Betty into a romantic relationship, while dealing with their own feelings towards each other.
The movie doesn’t have memorable lines or a rousing love story, but it does tug at the heart strings and has great musical numbers. A shot to the heart is felt when Waverly receives a rejection letter for continued service. He feels he can help his country if only he is allowed to serve again. Which ties in the second point about the music. The majority of the scenes with music and dancing is worth the price of admission alone.
With these great actors and actresses in good scenes, the movie begins and ends the wonderful spirit of Christmas.
Advertisements
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Scatter Joy Acres
Animal Assisted Therapy
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Murray, NE
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By: January 20, 2023
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