SPRINGFIELD NEWSLETTER

What’s New in Springfield, NE

May 23, 2007

Graduation ceremonies and parties abound in the month of May and June. For either high school or college graduates is a time of elation, relief and, also, sadness. Leaving behind your fellow students, friends, teachers or professors, and even those familiar classrooms fills you with a sense of sorrow. But wait, this is what you have been working for all along. You’ve dreamt of the day when your educational career would end. Now it’s time for you to pursue your life long dream job… for the next 50 years of your life!

Memorial Day is observed Monday, May 28. Originally called Decoration Day, on this federal holiday we remember those who have died in our nation's service.

This is a famous poem written by World War I Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon with Canada 's First Brigade Artillery. It expressed McCrae's grief over the "row on row" of graves of soldiers who had died on Flanders' battlefields, located in a region of western Belgium and northern France. The poem presented a striking image of the bright red flowers blooming among the rows of white crosses and became a rallying cry to all who fought in the First World War. The first printed version of it reportedly was in December 1915, in the British magazine Punch.

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly.
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Beware, mosquitoes are in out in full force now! Your holiday weekend plans may include spending time outdoors. Learn ways to fight the prevention of contracting West Nile Disease. Link onto the CDC’s website for information on how to avoid mosquito bites: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/prevention_info.htm

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SPRINGFIELD

May 24 & 29 - 7pm Springfield Days meetings at American Legion Hall. Please plan to attend these last two important meetings. It’s time to finalize those plans!

May 28 - Memorial Day

June 1st & 2nd - SPRINGFIELD DAYS: A HIDDEN TREASURE. Join all the fun in Springfield. There will be lots going on. Barbecue contest, Springfield Idol, fireworks, fun run, pancake feed, flea market, children’s activities… just to name a few of the events happening during the Springfield Days celebration. For a complete schedule, check out the link at www.springfieldnebraska.com

Fall Soccer sign up begins June 1st. Register online at www.SSAP.org

17TH Annual Springfield Recreational Soccer Tournament will be held June 1-3 at the Springfield Soccer Complex, Hwy 50 & Platteview Rd.

Kids! Register for the Summer Reading Program, Get A Clue @ Your Library, at the Springfield Memorial Library. Begin reading right away!!! Programs begin Monday June 11th. The Summer Reading Tent will be open on Thursdays from 9:00am - 12:00pm, beginning June 7th. For more information stop by or call 253-2797. Don’t forget to visit the Tent during Springfield Days on Saturday from 12-3pm.

Friday Night Music Series will be held at Soaring Wings Vineyard until September. Bring your lawn chair and picnic basket to enjoy a relaxing evening at the vineyard. For more information access this link: http://www.soaringwingswine.com/

SPRINGFIELD HISTORICAL TIDBIT:
The Fire Department has been manned by volunteers since Springfield became a town. A formal organization began in 1914. The old horse carts were housed in small sheds near the center of town., close to the park at 3rd and Cedar.
-Reference: Springfield At Its Source 1882-1982

~We all can’t be heroes because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.
-Will Rogers

Connie Manzer

Please send news to the editor. Pictures, especially, would be great, too! Email all announcements, events, news and pictures to Editor@springfieldnebraska.com. Thanks in advance for all your help!