City/area digest

Massages for first responders, EMEs

COLUMBUS -- Columbus Physical Therapy, P.C. is thanking first responders and emergency management personnel to Schuyler and Platte Center’s recent floods by providing express massages to them at no cost.

Times available include 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday.

Appointments are filled on a first come-first served basis.

Appointments can be made by logging onto columbusphysicaltherapy.com or by calling 564-5456.

Community band rehearsals set

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.

Consultant to be at CPS meeting

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. Monday 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.

‘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 Arts 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.

Art class set for Aug. 4 at gallery

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.

Red Cross fundraiser set for Wednesday

COLUMBUS -- Quiznos will be hosting a fundraiser from 5-7 p.m.Wednesday for the Prairie Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

A portion of the evening’s sales will be donated to the local chapter.

‘Hairspray’ to be shown Aug. 8

COLUMBUS -- As part of Columbus Days, the hit movie musical “Hairspray” will be presented after sundown Aug. 8 in Frankfort Square.

In addition to the movie there will be some activities, local entertainment and concessions.

Those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets. This event is sponsored by The Arts Council.

Fundraiser Show set for Senior Center

COLUMBUS -- The Columbus Senior Center will be holding its 2008 Fundraiser Show at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at the New World Inn and Conference Center.

Special guest will be Doug Gabriel of Branson, Mo., voted entertainer of the year, instrumentalist of the year, and seven-time winner of “Male Vocalist of the Year.” Gabriel and his family will perform music and comedy routines during this special event.

Tickets or more information are available by calling toll-free at (800) 280-9757. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on day of performance.

Immunization clinic Aug. 13

STROMSBURG -- The Polk County Health Department will hold an immunization clinic from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Baptist Church in Stromsburg.

An appointment is recommended to avoid long wait times. Children in need of Polio, DtaP, MMR, Hib, HepB, HepA, Rotavirus, Varicella, Influenza, and Prevnar are welcome. Other immunizations and boosters are also available.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and a record of all previous immunizations is required. A small administrative fee will be charged, but services will not be denied to those who have a true inability to pay.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Health Department office at (402) 747-2211.

Purple Heart social 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.

Gov. Dave 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.