City/area digests

Consultant at CPS meeting Monday

COLUMBUS -- A Lincoln-based educational planning consultant will give a presentation on a future facility program for Columbus Public Schools during a special meeting Monday.

The meeting is slated for 7 p.m. at the district’s administration building.

Jerry McCall of Educational Consulting Services will offer the presentation after weeks of meeting with community groups about future school facilities through 2020.

McCall’s firm develops educational planning models that consider a district’s demographics, school buildings, facilities and sites, programs and services, central services, community relationships and project implementation.

Garage sales set for Osceola

OSCEOLA -- The Osceola Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a citywide “Hot Summer Garage Sales” event from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, call (402) 747-2251.

Community band rehearsals slated

COLUMBUS -- The Columbus Community Band will begin rehearsals for its 27th annual performance, set for 7 p.m. Aug. 7 in Frankfort Square.

Rehearsals are scheduled for Monday, Thursday and Aug. 4, all from 7-9 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Family Life Center, 15th Street and 23rd Avenue.

The performance is the annual kickoff for the main events of Columbus Days. The band has an annual membership of more than 50 musicians, and members range in ages from pre-teen to those in their 80s. Everyone is welcome, even those who haven’t played their instruments in years.

For more information, call Bobbie at 563-1000 during the day Tuesdays through Fridays.

‘Robin Hood’ auditions Monday

COLUMBUS -- The Missoula Children’s Theatre International Tour Project will be having open auditions for the Aug. 2 production of “Robin Hood” for children entering grades 1-12.

The auditions are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the CCC-Fine Art Theater, and will last two hours. Late arrivals will not be admitted to the audition. A $20 participation fee is required for those cast in the production.

The audition kicks off a week-long theatre residency to include rehearsals, theatre workshops, and final performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at the CCC-Fine Arts Theater. There are roles suited for all ages, skill and experience levels; no prior experience or preparation is necessary.

For more information, call Susan at 563-1016.

Christian preschool applications taken

COLUMBUS -- Columbus Christian Preschool is currently accepting applications for the 2008-09 school year.

Two-day (Monday and Wednesday) and three-day (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) morning classes are available for children ages 4-5 years old.

For more information about the program or the registration process, call Columbus Christian School at 562-6470, e-mail at info@columbuschristian.org, or visit the school at 3418 15th St.

Purple Heart get-together Aug. 2

COLUMBUS -- A social get-together for Purple Heart recipients and their spouses or significant others from all wars and all branches of service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Aug. 2 at American Legion Post 84 in Columbus.

The casual event is hosted by Patriots and Auxiliary Members of the Nebraska Military Order of the Purple Heart Organization. The cost is $8.

Governor Heineman has proclaimed August as Purple Heart Month in honor of all Nebraska Purple Heart recipients. The Purple Heart award given in honor anyone who sustains a wound inflicted by an enemy in combat.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA Inc., founded in 1932, was congressionally chartered Aug. 26, 1958. The organization represents veteran’s interest before Congress, the Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, and on the state and local level.

Food pantry’s hours extended

COLUMBUS -- The Platte County Food Pantry has expanded its weekly hours to include Thursdays from 5-7 p.m.

The pantry will continue its regular hours from 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

To qualify for assistance an individual needs to bring a photo ID, social security cards for members of the family desiring assistance, and a bill showing current address. The Food Pantry is looking for volunteers for the Thursday evening hours and some daytime hours.

For more information on volunteering or on receiving assistance, call (402) 270-1744.

Foster parent training set

COLUMBUS -- Building Blocks will be conducting a foster parent training session beginning in September 2008.

These classes are free of charge and are offered to anyone interested in becoming a foster parent or providing respite care.

More information can be found at www.buildingblocks

forkids.org, by calling toll-free at (800) 689-0945 or e-mailing buildingblocksfoster

care@hotmail.com.

DivorceCare session set July 31

COLUMBUS -- DivorceCare will be holding session six of its 13-week series at 7 p.m. July 31 at the Peace Lutheran Church conference room.

The topic will be “What Does the Owner’s Manual Say?” Participants will learn about how biblical teaching on divorce compares with what’s happening in society today.

Marriage, divorce and remarriage will be discussed.

Art gallery class scheduled Aug. 4

COLUMBUS -- The Columbus Art Gallery will hold a class titled “Spirit masks, the Revelation” from 1-5 p.m. Aug. 4.

The four-hour class will be instructed by Dottie Seymour of Woodbine, Iowa, and will include exploration of the symbology of the Spirit Mask. Each participant will incorporate the symbols into making their own mask beginning with a pre-formed paper mache’ mask.

Cost of $50 ($45 for Columbus Area Arts Council supporters) includes most supplies. A list of additional materials needed will be sent to registered participants.

For more information or to register call the gallery.

Deadline for registration is Tuesday.