Cooper Jack DeWitt, 2 year old son of Justin and Jenni DeWitt, was recently diagnosed with Leukemia.  There is a fundraiser, “Baskets of Hope for Cooper”, and you can help. Create a themed basket and bring it to Albion Radio Shack by March 1st.  After the baskets are collected, there will be a silent auction March 1st through March 15th.  The baskets will be displayed in downtown Albion.  You can also make a monetary donation, and a basket will be made for you.  (402-395-2324)

This week’s Dial-A-Story, presented by the Norfolk Morning Kiwanis, is “George Washington and the Cherry Tree.” To hear the story, call 402-844-2101.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

The Wayne State College Counseling Center will host “Body Image Awareness” during the 25th annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, to raise awareness and funding to battle eating disorders in the U.S.  Linda Wetzel will give a Body Image Presentation today (Wednesday) at 4pm in the Student Center Food Court.  This program is free and open to the public. (myneda.org)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Preschool Playtime at the YMCA Gymnastics Center is today (Thursday), and every Thursday from 10:45 till 11:45am. This is open to members and  non-members, and a drop-in fee applies. (402-371-9770)

A “What Employers Want” Workshop is being offered today (Thursday) from 8:30am till noon, at the Nebraska Department of Labor Career Center in Norfolk. This is a free workshop where you can meet local employers, and learn what they are looking for in applicants. Receive job search tips and assistance. Bring your resume and questions. (402-370-4400)

The February meeting of the Madison County Republican Party will be held at noon today (Thursday), at Prengers Restaurant in Norfolk. The speaker will be U.S. Senate Candidate Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning.

Reader’s Theater will present a public performance of humorous stories by Margie Palatini tonight (Thursday) at 7pm, at the Norfolk Public Library. (402-844-2100)

The Norfolk Public Library presents Storytime for kids age 3 through second grade. Parents are asked to remain in the library during Storytime, and are always welcome to attend. Storytime will be held today (Thursday) from 1:30 till 2pm, and tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday from 10:30 to 11am. (402-844-2100)

The Norfolk Goodyear Hose Plant retirees will meet today (Thursday) at noon at Prengers in Norfolk. Spouses and friends are welcome.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

The Madison KC Hall is hosting a Fish Fry tonight (Friday) from 5 till 8. There will be a donation bucket on hand – this is a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

There is a 2-day Scrapbooking Retreat at the Randolph City Auditorium today (Friday), from 1pm till 1am, and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am till 2pm. (402-337-1108)

The Norfolk Public Library presents Storytime for kids age 3 through second grade. Parents are asked to remain in the library during Storytime, and are always welcome to attend. Storytime will be held today (Friday) and tomorow (Saturday) from 10:30 to 11am. (402-844-2100)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Zion Lutheran Church and School in Plainview is holding their 9th Annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake, Egg, and Sausage Breakfast today (Saturday) from 7am till 1pm.  Crafts and baked goods will also be available. Cost is $5 per person, 5 and under free. Supplemental funds provided by Thrivent of Pierce County.

ABATE of Nebraska District 15 is holding their 4th Annual Chili Feed at the Wayne Vet’s Club today (Saturday) at 4pm. Everyone is welcome.

Norfolk Public Library presents “Lapsit” for children birth to 24 months with an adult caregiver.  It’s a beginning literary experience filled with rhymes, songs, games and stories.  Lapsit will be held today (Saturday) from 10 till 10:20am at the library. (402-844-2100)

The Norfolk Public Library presents Storytime for kids age 3 through second grade. Parents are asked to remain in the library during Storytime, and are always welcome to attend. Storytime will be held today (Saturday) from 10:30 to 11am. (402-844-2100)

Needles, Hooks and Books will meet today (Saturday) at the Norfolk Public Library at 2:30pm. this is an informal social time with refreshments for all needle crafters to work on a project, share information and skills, talk about books, and meet others interested in needle arts. (402-844-2100)

The Pierce Legion Ham Feed is being held today (Saturday) from 5:30 till 7:30pm, at the Senior Citizens Center next door to the Legion Club. Cost is $7, and proceeds will be used for summer youth programs. And this year, it’s no longer stag – ladies are welcome.

The Missouri River Flood cost Ron Fettig his home and business.  Once the rebuilding was complete, Ron was diagnosed with lung cancer.  Ron invested his life savings in the rebuilding, and being self-employed, has no insurance.  So a benefit is being held today (Saturday) at the Blue Moon Resort in Verdel, Nebraska.  Social Hour and a meal for a free will donation will be from 4 till 7. A silent auction will also be going on at this time. A live auction will follow at 7pm.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

The Meadow Grove/Tilden Lions Pancake Feed is being held today (Sunday) from 10am till 1pm, at the Tilden Legion.

“A Touch of Brass,” a five-piece brass ensemble of area musicians, will present “Let’s Dance”, a concert of dance music from the 16th through the 20th centuries, today (Sunday), at 2pm, in the Plainview High School Auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door with Plainview Arts Council members admitted free with their season tickets.

St. Mary’s and  Catholic Order of Foresters of Osmond are sponsoring a Soup Dinner today (Sunday) from 10:30am till 1pm, at the Osmond City Auditorium.  Chicken noodle soup, chili, taverns, barbecue pork sandwiches, hot dogs, pie, dessert, coffee and pop will be served. There will also be prize drawings and an auction of donated items and theme baskets made by the students and faculty of St. Mary’s School and Prep Program.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Wayne State College Concert Choir members will perform “Alzheimer’s Stories,” a work by American composer Robert Cohen in Ramsey Theatre tonight (Monday) at 7:30pm.  Rounding out the program will be pieces recently performed on the Wayne State College High School Honor Choir concert.  (402-375-7359)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

The Wayne State College Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will be performing their first concert of the spring semester tonight (Tuesday) at 7:30pm in Ramsey Theater.  (402-375-7359)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29

The PrairieLand Resource Conservation & Development Council is holding their monthly meeting today (Wednesday), starting at 3:30pm, at the Uptown Brewery in Stanton.  The council will continue their discussion regarding the future of the RC&D Program and current projects.  The public is always invited and encouraged to attend.  (402-454-2026)

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Neligh Immunization Clinic today (ThursdayMar1), from 10 till 2, at Abundant Life Christian Center in Neligh.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

FRIDAY, MARCH 2

The Northeast Nebraska Chapter of the American Red Cross is holding its Annual Soup Lunch Fundraiser today (Friday) from 11:30am till 1pm, at the Wayne Vets Club.  The event is held each year as a kickoff to the month of March, which is nationally recognized as Red Cross Month.  The menu will include chili and potato soup, dessert, juice and coffee.  Delivery will also be available.  The cost of the meal is a free will donation to support the programs and services of the American Red Cross.  (402-375-9944, redcross.org)

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska invites all present and past girl scouts to the “Celebrating 100 Years of Girls Scouts Open House,” today (Saturday) from 1 till 4, at the Elkhorn Valley Museum. Visit the Girl Scout Exhibit on display now, and enjoy refreshments. A time capsule from 1987 will be open at 2pm.

The Norfolk Area Support Group for the Parents of Children and Teens with ADHD will meet today (Saturday), at the Parent-to-Parent Network in Norfolk from 4:30 till 5:30pm. All parents of children with ADHD are invited to attend. (402-379-1018, melanys_80@hotmail.com)

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

St. Bonaventure in Raeville is holding their Annual Spring Breakfast today (Sunday) from 9am till noon, at the Parish Hall in Raeville.  A benefit is also being held for Harold Starman, who was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in September. On the menu: pancakes, french toast, sausage, ham, fruits, coffee, juice and desserts, for a free will donation. Additional funds provided by Thrivent.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Wayne Immunization Clinic today (TuesdayMar6), from 9 till 3, at United Methodist Church in Wayne.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Wisner Immunization Clinic today (WednesdayMar7), from 10am till 3pm, at the Goldenrod Hills Building in Wisner.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

The Carroll Volunteer Fire Department is holding their Annual Pancake & Omelet Feed today (Sunday), from 9am till 1pm, at th Carroll Auditorium.  A free will donation will be accepted, and proceeds will be used toward the purchase of new equipment.  (402-375-2240)

St. Michael’s Parish in Albion is hosting their Annual St. Patrick’s Carnival today (Sunday) at the Boone County Fairgrounds. A full roast beef and sausage dinner will be served from 11am till 2pm. there will also be a big raffle drawing with over 75 cash and merchandise prizes, a huge silent auction, quilt raffle, games and prizes. Everyone is welcome. (402-395-2926)

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

The next Relay for Life Norfolk Team Captain’s Meeting will be held today (Tuesday) at 5:30pm, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norfolk.  This is your opportunity to get your team packet for the Relay season, get fundraiser ideas and find out where the money goes that your raise. The planning committee will meet at 6:45pm.

THURSDAY, MARCH 15

The Norfolk Titans are accepting registrations for the upcoming baseball season. The program is open to boys 7 to 14 years old.  The deadline to register is today (Thursday).  If there are are not enough players to fill teams, the season will be cancelled. (402-640-4119, 402-860-1695)

Research shows that one in four girls and one in seven boys will be sexually abused. A free conference on protecting your children is being held tonight (Thursday), from 6:30 till 9pm, at Divots Conference Center. (register: 402-644-7347)

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 (St. Patrick’s Day)

Madison Volunteer Fire and Rescue is holding a St. Patty’s Day Bash Dinner and Dance tonight (Saturday) at the Madison County Fairgrounds. Dinner will be from 5:30 till 8, followed by a dance from 8 till midnight, with music  by Dylan and the Dirt Road Detour. All ages are welcome. Cash bar.

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

Authier Miller Pape Cornea-Huskers are holding their annual Fashion, Food and Fun for Relay today (Tuesday).  This great night continues to grow as more and more vendors are added each year. Enjoy a night of fashion, food and fun for her from 5:30 till 8:30 p.m. at Auther Miller Pape in Norfolk. Tickets are just $10, which goes to the Relay for Life.

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Creighton Immunization Clinic today (TuesdayMar20), from 10 till 2, at the Goldenrod Hills Building in Creighton.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

MONDAY, MARCH 26

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Wakefield  Immunization Clinic today (MondayMar26), from 9 till 3, at Evangelical Covenant Church in Wakefield.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

TUESDAY, MARCH 27

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Madison Immunization Clinic today (TuesdayMar27), from 10 till 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28

Goldenrod Hills Community Action will hold the Plainview Immunization Clinic today (WednesdayMar28), from 10 till 2, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Plainview.  Lead screening will be available for children 1 to 5 years of age for a fee of $10.  The clinic is open to the public, and there are no income guidelines.  Past immunization records are required.  A donation of $20 per child is requested, to help defray administrative costs. Also, Operation Great Start will be available at this clinic, which provides education and resources to expecting mothers and new mothers. (402-529-3513)

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

A Wild Game Feed is being held tonight (Saturday) from 5 till 8pm, at Taylor’s Bar & Grill in Pierce. Alligator, frog legs, deer, elk, bison, antelope, and many other wild game will be there to try. You can bring your own wild game recipe for sampling too. There will also be a silent auction.  A free will donation will be accepted, and proceeds will benefit Zion Lutheran School.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

The American Cancer Society’s “Bark for Life,” a canine event to fight cancer, is being held today (Saturday) at the Northeast Community College Ag Complex. Registration begins at 9am, opening ceremonies at 10, followed by the walk, and other fun events. Pre-registration is $20, which guarantees a neckerchief, treats, clean-up bags, and one ticket for a chance gift basket. (402-844-7101)

The Humphrey Community Club is hosting the 1st Highway 81/91 Expo today (Saturday), from 9am till 6pm, at the Humphrey Community Building. If you are interested in being a vendor, contact Melissa at 402-920-1000.

OTHER NETBOOK ITEMS

The Norfolk Titans Youth Baseball Program is now accepting registrations for the upcoming 2012 baseball season. The program is open to boys ages 7 through 14. These openings fill up fast, so don’t hesitate. (402-640-4119, 402-860-1695)

The Norfolk Salvation Army offers several programs for the community to enjoy, including zumba classes, an after school kids club, teen club on Friday nights, and more.   Visit SANorfolk.org to find out more.  (402-379-4663)

Northeast Nebraska RC&D will be holding E-Waste Recycling Events every Thursday and Saturday in February, at the RC&D Office in Plainview.  Hours are: Thursdays 3 to 5pm, and Saturdays 10am till noon.  Everyone is welcome to bring their electronic waste, which includes computer components, TV’s and small appliances.  A small fee will get rid of these items for you.  402-582-4866.

Girl Scout cookies are now on sale. This year, there will be no waiting for your cookies – you’ll get them when you place your order. Support your local Girl Scouts. (402-369-3938)

The Norfolk Art Center will have Open Art Night every Thursday from 6:30 till 9pm. It’s free and open to everyone high school age and up. Those attending are responsible for bringing their own materials to work on. There will be no formal structure or format, just show up, work on stuff, socialize, learn. (norfolkartscenter.org)

NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska is a non-profit organization offering Homebuyer Education classes to the public.  Upcoming classes are being held on Saturdays through April in Norfolk and Columbus.  Cost is $25 per household, and pre-registration is required. Classes in Spanish are also available. (402-379-3311)

It’s time for Lutheran Highs “Upscale Resale” again.  You can drop off your winter party dresses or the prom dresses that you want to sell and then shop for this year’s dress as well.  It’s from 1 till 3pm every Sunday during the month of February.  This is a great way to earn some cash for the dresses you no longer will wear and to purchase a dress at a discounted price.

JUST4JO is ready to kickoff the Relay season with a commemorative 2012 Relay shirt prepared just for the Norfolk Area with the phrase “Even in the darkest hour, there is HOPE!” Order your t-shirt for $12 or get a long-sleeved shirt for $15. Add $2 for any 2X and up. Youth sizes are also available. (402-379-1440, brandic@daycos.com, tami@daycos.com)

Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs coordinated by the IRS provide free tax return preparation, information, and assistance to low income individuals.  Volunteers are specially trained to help with special credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and others. This service is provided through Goldenrod Hills Community Action. (402-529-3513, 800-445-2505)

Northeast Nebraska Humane Society is raising funds to build a shelter north of Norfolk which will serve all of Northeast Nebraska.  Until the shelter is built, the group is helping homeless animals through a network of foster care volunteers.  It’s a very rewarding experience and saves the life of an animal.  (debday@telebeep.com, 402-316-4848)

Northeast Nebraska Humane Society 2012 Calendars are available now for $12 each at Healthy Paws on Benjamin Avenue in Norfolk.  All proceeds from calendar sales go to the shelter building fund.

Preschool Playtime at the YMCA Gymnastics Center is held every Thursday from 10:45 till 11:45am. This is open to members and  non-members, and a drop-in fee applies. (402-371-9770)

Sign up for Spring Education at the Norfolk Arts Center. Classes in everything from preschool art to stained glass watercolors to yoga will be offered. For a complete list of available classes, visit norfolkartscenter.org.

Applications for the Norfolk Downtown Community Garden are available at First United Methodist Church.  Spaces will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.  Garden plots are available to individuals, families, and groups.  Some gardening education activities are being planned for this year as well.  (402-371-2785)

The Statue of Liberty in Norfolk’s Central Park needs your help. In 1950, the Boy Scouts raised money and installed this statue, but now it needs to be refurbished. The estimated cost to return this statue to its original condition will be around 10 to 15 thousand dollars. [Send donations to Preserve Norfolk, Little Sister of Liberty, PO Box 819, Norfolk, NE 68702-0819] (402-316-3115, 402-371-5433)

The American Cancer Society is looking for certified beauty professionals for the “Look Good…Feel Better” program.  Trained volunteer cosmetologists teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. (402-393-5801)

The American Cancer Society provides information, day-to-day help, and emotional support to people with cancer and their families.  ACS wants to help patients get well and best of all, all their help is free!  Call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org for more information.

On display at the Norfolk Arts Center now through March 1st: “Blazing the Wax Trail: Nebraska Encaustic Artists.”  Encaustic painting involves using heated beeswax with color added. (402-371-7199)

The Northeast Nebraska Chapter of the American Red Cross is offering classes in Wayne and Norfolk, where you can learn CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator, Water Safety, Swimming, Lifeguard Training, Home and Work Safety Instructor Courses, Babysitter Training, Pet First Aid.  (402-375-5209, 402-371-0393)

Behavioral Health Specialist’s Youth and Family Services is looking for safe and loving homes for children. They offer training with 24/7 on-call support. Full time, one weekend a month, or even on-call homes needed. Serving Norfolk, O’Neill, Columbus and Fremont areas. (402-370-3140)

The American Cancer Society offers a variety of services to cancer patients enduring side effects of treatment, including a wig bank in Albion that will supply wigs, hats, scarves and turbans to cancer patients free of charge.  The new wig bank is located in Heads & Beds.  (402-395-6581)

CASA of Northeast Nebraska is seeking volunteers to be advocates for children. CASA helps innocent children who find themselves going through the court system due to no fault of their own. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an advocate, call CASA Director Ruth Matthews-Mott at 402-371-9599.

Norfolk Public Library has book discussion groups for adults and teens. Adult groups meet monthly on the last Tuesday of the month, and the last Wednesday morning of the month.  The teen group meets monthly on a Saturday afternoon. Newcomers are always welcome. (402-844-2100)

The Norfolk Public Library invites new and veteran needle crafters to a relaxing and informal time to do needlework, share information, patterns and skills, talk about books, and meet others interested in needle arts. “Needles, Hooks and Books” meets in the Norfolk Public Library Meeting Room from 2:30 to 4pm on Saturdays. (402-844-2108)

The Norfolk VFW serves breakfast every Sunday from 8:30am till 12:30pm. It’s all you can eat scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, hash browns and pancakes, juice and coffee. Cost is $5.50 for adults, and $3 for kids 6 to 12. Proceeds go toward the VFW and Vets Home.

Norfolk Public Library hosts a monthly Wednesday Morning Book Discussion Group. The group meets at 10am on the last Wednesday of each month at the library, and welcomes any adults that enjoy reading and discussion. (402-844-2100)

Goldenrod Hills Community Action holds the Norfolk Immunization Clinic Tuesday through Thursday from 8am till 4:30pm, and Mondays and Fridays by appointment, at 1405 Riverside Blvd.  GHCA’s Health Services Program also provides lead screening to children ages 1 to 6 for a fee of $10. (402-529-3513)

Cigarettes contain 250 toxic chemicals able to cause cancer. The Norfolk Community Health Care Clinic has resources available to help you kick the habit. You will be evaluated by a health care professional, who will design a program to stop smoking. All you need to do is call 402-644-7314 or 402-454-3304, and you will be on your way to tasting fresh air!