READY TO RETIRE: Country Partners Cooperative recently recognized Dave Clark for his retirement after 44 years of service to the cooperative. During his career at the cooperative he worked in several departments but most recently operating a tractor-trailer for the Transportation Department. Dave was presented a plaque and a gift card. Pictured with Dave is HR Director Donna Schnackenberg. (Contributed photo)
JEFF COTTINGHAM
THE PICTURE OF CHRISTMAS: Nativity scenes can be seen throughout the community during this time of year. Blame St. Francis of Assisi, is credited with staging the first nativity scene in 1223. St. Francis got permission from Pope Honorious III to set up a manger with hay and two live animals, an ox and a donkey, in a cave in the Italian village of Grecio. He then invited the villagers to come gaze upon the scene while he preached about “the babe of Bethlehem.” Francis was supposedly so overcome by emotion that he couldn’t say “Jesus.” This particular scene has probably become something longtime residents of Gothenburg look forward to seeing every Christmas on front lawn of the First Presbyterian Church. Each piece was handcrafted and painted before being donated to the church many years ago. It’s since required new coats of paint. Local artist Mary Bell repainted them close to 30 years ago.
Although Nebraska was moved to yellow on the COVID-19 risk dial this week, the decision of other communities within the Two Rivers Health District to try to further protect their towns by implementing a face covering or “mask mandate” was deemed appropriate by some Gothenburg citizens who were prompted to seek a mandate of their own.
Q: I think that “peace on earth” is completely unrealistic. Just look around us! This world is falling apart and all people do is viciously fight with each other. It doesn’t matter if it’s nation against nation, race vs. race, political parties or next-door neighbors -- you’ll never convince me that “goodwill among men” is possible. So pardon me if I’m feeling a bit cynical about Christmas and all the feel-good messaging. Do you really believe all that?
“‘Remember who you are’ is something my mom and dad always told me,” shared my Grandma Kay Streeter as she sat on the couch and had her morning coffee. “I always told my kids that, and now your mom tells you and your siblings that as well. It just keeps getting passed down the family tree.”
GOTHENBURG SENIOR CENTER
Overeaters Anonymous meets weekly on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. on conference calls during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information contact 308-529-0725.
Stepping up to the challenge, the Gothenburg grapplers competed against some of Nebraska’s best at the Valentine Invitational that was held on Saturday.
When asked about their Christmas traditions or memories, these individuals took a quick trip down memory lane and shared a few of their favorites.