Springfield Wednesday Newsletter: December 23, 2020

WISHING ONE AND ALL

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

PEACE AND JOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

IT HAPPENED IN SPRINGFIELD HISTORY

CHRISTMAS TREE 2007

Remember the long-time Springfield tradition of the Christmas tree in the middle of Main Street.  In 1932 the Springfield Monitor reported, “A big Christmas tree has been hoisted in the middle of the intersection between Kieck’s store and the Monitor office. Miss Lizzie Timberlake donated the tree. The Nebraska Power company following its usual custom in setting up and wiring it”. One year a driver missed navigating around the Christmas tree so it was decided this tradition would need to end. After a number of years, the Christmas tree in the middle of Main Street magically appeared once again. The tradition was revived until sadly, but for the safety of all drivers and pedestrians, this custom was discontinued when the Main Street renovation happened in 2011.

BOXING DAY

On December 26^th, Boxing Day continues the celebration of Christmas. Boxing Day is a tradition in the United Kingdom and many countries that used to be part of the British Empire. The holiday originated as a day to give gifts to those in need. Traditions on this holiday include spending time with family and friends and traditional foods such as baked ham, pease pudding, mince pie, and Christmas cake. Stores offer reduced prices so shopping is a popular activity.  A full day of football (soccer) and rugby games are played. The old Boxing Day tradition of hunting with dogs was banned in the UK in 2004, but hunters dressed in customary resplendent red coats still gather to follow artificial trails.

Tracking Santa - Thanks NORAD

https://www.noradsanta.org

Again this year, we are helping excited Kiddo's track Santa Claus - as he leaves the North Pole - and delivers toys all over the world!

SARPY COUNTY HELP LINE

The Sarpy County Sheriff's Office along with Sarpy County Human Services has established a help line for the citizens of Sarpy County during the COVID-19 pandemic event. Starting today, people who are sick, elderly, or caretakers of this demographic in Sarpy County may call the Sarpy County Sheriff Helpline at 402-593-1593 for needs such as picking up prescriptions, groceries, or other necessities. A uniformed Sarpy County Sheriff's Deputy will pick up and deliver these items in a marked police cruiser. This helpline may also be utilized by the general public to make non-emergency police reports via telephone that do not require a police officer present in their home.

The following providers are participating in this program:

Walmart in Papillion
Target in Papillion (Groceries Only)
Bakers at 36th St & Twin Creek Dr
Bakers at 801 Galvin Rd (Pharmacy Only)
Springfield Drug (Pharmacy Only)

Please check the Sheriff's Office website and Facebook Page for any new updates to this program.

SARPY COUNTY SHERIFF WEBSITE

https://apps.sarpy.com/sheriff/COVID19.html

We are open for IN-PERSON worship!  We will continue to stream LIVE on Facebook.  We are asking for pre-registration for attendance.  Please contact the office 402-253-2270 to get your reservation!

Sunday Services at 9:30am

Tune into our Facebook page for live streaming Sunday Services at 9:30am

https://www.facebook.com/firstunitedmethodistchurchofspringfield

Springfield Boy Scout Troop 711 is ready to help dispose of your Christmas tree this season for a free will donation.  Save yourself the hassle of throwing away this years tree and benefit our local Boy Scout Troop!

Tree pick up will be on Saturday January 2, 2021, 10a.m. - 3p.m.

Please fill out the following online form to make your reservation:

https://bit.ly/Troop711Treepickup

To make a free will donation to Boy Scout Troop 711 with Paypal click here:

paypal.me/711SpringfieldNe

SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Please support Springfield’s local businesses during this difficult time.

Springfield Artworks is still temporarily closed to protect the owners and the customers.They will post here when they feel it is safe to Re-open.

Black Sheep Coffee House

Sweet Rice Thai Food: (402) 714-4516

Runza Restaurant

Valentino’s Pizza: (402) 253-2491

Wicked Hen Farmhouse Café breakfast, lunch & some evenings: (513 )721-6877

Springfield Drug & Soda Fountain

Ace Hardware

Soaring Wings Vineyard

B&D Pit Stop

These and all Springfield businesses need your support to survive these difficult times.