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Lexington Community Foundation celebrates 25 years of The Key
Community members mingle during the preview night of the 25th anniversary Key event at The Well in Lexington.
Curt Rickertsen, center, speaks with community members during the preview night Friday at The Well in Lexington. Rickertsen is the Lexington Community Foundation's vice president and events chairman.
LEXINGTON — The Lexington Community Foundation celebrated the 25th anniversary of its annual Key event Saturday at The Well in Lexington.
As of Monday morning, the preliminary amount raised had reached over $486,000.
The money raised goes directly back into LCF to support grants for small initiatives, matching funds for Give BIG Lexington and recently the community relief fund.
"The Key fundraiser is the most important fundraiser that we have to provide support to the foundation," Curt Rickertsen, LCF event chairman, said Friday at the event's preview night.
The preview night is held the night before the event and allows for all community members to mingle, have drinks, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and browse silent-auction items.
Ticket sales, silent auction, live auction and a raffle are the four main ways the foundation raises money annually from the Key.
"The reason it works so well as a fundraiser is so many of the items are either fully donated or they're donated at a reduced cost from local businesses," Rickertsen said. "And a lot of the things we auction are things you can't just go out and buy."
Rickertsen said the donors who provide auction items are a huge piece of what makes the event so successful.
"We can plan a great event with our committee," he said. "But having the auction and the money we're able to raise from it happens because of all the donors."
Rickertsen went on to thank all those who have donated and supported the event every year.
"We need to thank them as many times as we can," he said.
He estimated that 300 items were donated, with 44 for the live auction. The donations come from local businesses.
The silent auction opened on April 6 via a mobile app, which allows anyone to bid on an item even if they do not attend the event.
Rickertsen said that the mobile app has helped the foundation reach more people.
"It really just gives a way for more people to see what we're doing and to be involved," he said.
In his eighth year as the committee's chairman, Rickertsen said the community has always shown strong support for the Key and the foundation.
Even though Lexington has been facing huge uncertainty since the closure of Tyson, support is still there.
"There's still a lot of belief in what we've done, belief in what we can do, and that we need to continue to support those things in our community that are going to move us forward," Rickertsen said.
The Key started out with an idea from Dr. Tom Fagot.
While he was on a University of Nebraska-Lincoln board, Fagot said, "I got to meet a lot of people across the state that are associated with Catholic schools. All those schools had a similar thing. They all have a live and silent auction that is a major fundraiser."
He believed that the Lexington Foundation could do that as well.
Fagot said he spoke with Gail Whittman and Amy Biehl Owens. "The three of us started this whole thing."
In the Key's first year, Fagot said, they had hoped to raise $60,000, but they ended up raising $90,000.
"It's just gone up from that," Fagot said. "The community really bought into it. We didn't even know if we were going to do it every year. We didn't know it was going to go 25 years. It's just really exciting."
Fagot was in awe of how the event has been kept alive all these years.
"I'm just thankful that young people are taking over," he said. "There's second-generation people here that have taken over. And to put that much work in for 25 years, it's just awesome.
"And then to think it could die out, and it just keeps growing. The people love it."
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Value Up founder to speak at Teachers Night Out with CASA
Dawson and Gosper County CASA is hosting Teachers Night Out with CASA on Thursday, April 16, and the guest speaker for the night is Mike Donahue.
Parents, teachers and other professionals are encouraged to attend.
Donahue is the founder and director of Value Up, a Nebraska-based, nationally recognized organization focused on promoting positive school culture and student well-being. He is also an author, a youth pastor, a spiritual life director and a school assembly speaker. He has served in the U.S. Air Force.
Over the past 30 years, Mike has spoken to over 1 million students and has written four books, including “Reinventing My Normal,” “Value Up” and “Talking to Brick Walls."
Originally from Boston, Donahue now lives in Minden, Nebraska, with his wife, Rachel, and their five children. He is a leading voice on issues such as respect, bullying, resilience and school climate, making him a highly sought-after speaker.
His speaking style is known to be authentic and dynamic.
At Teachers Night Out with CASA, Donahue will present a breakout session titled “Talking to Brick Walls: Hearing What Your Teen Isn’t Saying,” after one of his books.
In this session, parents will have the opportunity to explore the emotional disconnect that can emerge during adolescence and learn how to respond with empathy instead of frustration.
It will offer real-life insight and practical strategies for rebuilding trust, fostering honest dialogue and understanding the hidden pressures teenagers face.
The goal of “Talking to Brick Walls: Hearing What Your Teen Isn’t Saying” is to equip parents with tools to better navigate emotional walls, interpret silence as communication and create a climate where their teens feel safe being real.
Teachers Night Out with CASA is an opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which are required for counselors, teachers and lawyers.
The event will be held at 1501 Plum Creek Parkway, Suite 1, in Lexington from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, Food will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by a professional panel at 6 p.m. and Donahue at 7 p.m.
Around Town
The Around Town section of the Clipper-Herald is to notify the public of upcoming events and to publicize pertinent information from individuals, groups or service organizations.
PEOPLE
The family of Ron Schultz would like to thank all who attended his celebration of life service March 14 in Lexington. We hope that we truly honored him with what was said and shown. He is greatly missed already.
LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS
Lunch and Learn "Ouch, My Back Hurts" with Dr. John Ray and Roger Wells Tuesday, April 14 at noon at Lexington Regional Health Center.
There will be a grand opening for the Women's Resource Center Tuesday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. at 612 N. Grant St.
Lexington Food Drive is accepting donations until April 17. Items needed: peanut butter, canned vegetables, canned tuna, pasta sauce and pasta. Drop-off locations are Orthman Community YMCA and Plum Creek Market Place.
Lexington Public Library is hosting four creative writing classes on Monday, April 20 and 27 from 2-3:30 p.m.
Lexington City Council meeting Tuesday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the city office building.
Teacher's Night Out with CASA Thursday, April 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Central Community College.
Healthy Kids Day at the Orthman Community YMCA April 17 from 6-9 p.m.
LWML Spring Salad Luncheon Thursday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church.
GriefShare meets every Thursday through April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.
Grand opening of the Global Roots community garden will be Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 801 N Lincoln St., Lexington.
YMCA Cinco de Mayo 5/10K walk/run Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m.
.Parkview Baptist Church holds a food pantry every third Saturday of the month at the Refuge Building (1105 Park St.) in Lexington.
The Dawson County History Museum is hosting “Coffee with Carol” the first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Lexington Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. every fourth Monday of the month at the Lexington Grand Generation Center.
Lexington Rotary Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at Dawson County Annex Building at noon. For more information or to join call 308-325-7006.
The Dawson County Democrats meet at 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at the Los Jalapeños Restaurant.
American Legion in Lexington meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.
WIC Clinic Sites, Dawson County: Lexington – Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Building, 931 W. Seventh St., Tuesday through Thursday the first 4 full weeks for each month.
RYDE Transit — Public Transportation is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride in Dawson County or Lexington call 308-324-3670. Public Transportation is easy to ride and open to everyone.
COZAD HAPPENINGS
State Sen. Teresa Ibach will be at the Wilson Public Library for a Community Chat at noon on Wednesday, April 15.
Food for Fines at the Wilson Public Library, the entire month of April. A canned food item waives $2 off a patron's prior fines.
The 21st Annual Women's Health Luncheon Thursday, April 23 at 11:30 a.m. at Cozad Elks Club. Reserve your seat by April 16. Featured speaker: Dr. Shauna Lindstedt-Easterday. Call Suzanne at 308-784-2261 to reserve a seat.
Nebraska Scams and Fraud Education program at the Cozad Grand Generation Center Tuesday, April 28 at 1 p.m. and at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Cozad Grand Generation Center free drive thru grocery night Thursday, April 14 at 5 p.m.
Meet the candidates running for Cozad offices Tuesday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Cozad Grand Generation Center.
The National Weather Service out of Hastings will hold a severe weather presentation Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Armchair Travels: Wednesday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. with Roxanne Converse-Whiting speaking about her recent trip to Italy.
Cozad Community Health System is hosting a 75th year open house and remodel ribbon cutting Friday, May 15 from 4-7 p.m.
The Writing Society meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library. Open to all writers of all levels and genres.
Blacktop Classics Car Show Saturday, June 6 at 11 a.m. in downtown Cozad on Meridian Avenue.
Bands, Brews and BBQs will be held Saturday, July 11 with the Lemon Fresh Day band headlining the night and opener by Heather Wellman. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. More information on ticket sales will be provided at a later date.
Blood Pressure Clinic at the Cozad Grand Generation Center the third Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center has Home Delivered Meals to the Community Monday — Friday. If you would like to receive Home Delivered Meals or would like to pick up a Curbside Meal at 410 W. Ninth St. from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., please call us at 308-784-2747 by 9:30 a.m. that morning, so we can arrange everything for your convenience.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center Bus is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a ride in Cozad call 308-784-2747.
SUMNER HAPPENINGS
The Sumner Saddle Club Pancake Feed is Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sumner Community Hall.
OVERTON HAPPENINGS
The Overton Alumni Association 125th annual banquet will be Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at the Overton school gym. Tickets are $25 each and must be purchased by May 18, and available at First Security Bank in Overton. For tickets and more information call Alyce Bauer at 308-987-2280.
GOTHENBURG HAPPENINGS
Dueling Pianos is making a return to Gothenburg Saturday, April 18 at the YMCA. Doors open at 6 p.m. and pianos start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.
25th Annual Walk for Life at Lake Helen with registration at 9:30 a.m. and walking starts at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2. This is a fundraiser for the North Platte Women's Resource Center.
The 51st annual Gothenburg Area Fireman's Ball is set for Saturday, May 30 from 5 p.m. to midnight.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Students/Senior Citizens/Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" (PG) - April 15; Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Project Hail Mary" (PG-13) - April 17-19, 22; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"A Great Awakening" (PG-13) - April 24-26, 29; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 3 and 7 p.m.
COZAD
Fox Theater, 100 E. Eighth St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $9, Student/Seniors/Military $8, 5 and under $6.50, Matinee (all ages) $6.50
SHOWTIMES:
"Super Mario Galaxy Movie" (PG) - April 14-23; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m., Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:30 and 7:10 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"You, Me & Tuscany" (PG-13) - April 14-23; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:20 and 7 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
"Normal" (R) - April 17-23; Friday at 7:20 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:40 and 7:20 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"The Drama" (R) - April 14-16; Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
GOTHENBURG
Sun Theatre, 404 10th St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Child (12 and under) $3, Senior Citizen $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Project Hail Mary" (PG-13) - April 17-19; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
The Lexington Public Library hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m., Sunday: Closed. Watch for lots of fun programs and activities this summer. Also, we are continuing curbside services; call the library at 308-324-2151 for information.
Novel Stitchers meets on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. in the Board Room of the Library.
Storytime meets at the Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
The Wilson Public Library normal hours are: Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. — 7 p.m., Friday: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Saturday: 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. Public and private meetings have resumed, with 24-hour notice appreciated. Limits to how many attendees based upon room need, what equipment is available and other restrictions can be found by calling us at 308-784-2019 or stopping at the front desk. Normal policies about room rental can be found under Policies at wilsonpubliclibrary.org.
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER
The exercise room is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
MONDAY
10 a.m. - Frog
12:45 p.m. - I've Got It
TUESDAY
10:30 a.m. - I've Got It
11 a.m. - Christian Women
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bunco
WEDNESDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
THURSDAY
12:45 p.m. - Farkle
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bridge
FRIDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Homemade bread every day. Choice of skim, 2% or chocolate milk. No reservations are needed except for large groups. Serving time: 11:30 a.m. Please call 308-324-2498 by 10 a.m. for delivery or carryout meals.
MONDAY
Baked Chicken, Hashbrown Casserole, OJ with Beets, Apricots
TUESDAY
Pork Fritter with Gravy, Baby Bakers, Wax Beans, Tropical Fruit
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Pot Pie, Potato Casserole, Lima Beans, Apple Slices
THURSDAY
BBQ Pork on a Bun, Tater Tots, Three Bean Casserole, Plums
FRIDAY
Hot Hamburger on Bread in Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Mandarin Oranges, Dessert
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER
When Cozad schools are closed due to inclement weather, the center will also be closed. Check KRVN or the TV for weather related closings.
MONDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:45 p.m. - Board Meeting
1 p.m. - Pitch
TUESDAY
Noon- Rotary
1:15 p.m. - Foot Clinic
5:30 p.m. - Meet the Candidates
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
THURSDAY
9:30 a.m. - Community Chat: Scam Awareness
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
MONDAY
Hot Dog or Brats, Mac and Cheese, Sauerkraut, Pears, Cake
TUESDAY
Beef Steak, Baked Potato, Baked Beans, Cookie Salad, Strawberry Jello, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Chicken and Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Apricots, Dessert
THURSDAY
Liver and Onions or Cook's Choice, Au Gratin Potatoes, Baked Spinach, Red Applesauce, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Sausage and Gravy, Scrambled Eggs, Hot Fruit, Veggie Sticks, Rice Krispie Bars
FARNAM SENIOR CENTER
When Eustis-Farnam Schools are closed due to the weather, the Senior Center will also be closed. Call ahead by 9:30 a.m. to get a meal 308-569-2359.
MONDAY
Beef Stroganoff, Peas, Cucumber Salad, Apple Salad, Dinner Roll
TUESDAY
Pork Stir Fry, Broccoli, Lettuce Salad, Pineapple, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, Green Beans, Peaches, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Fruit Cocktail, Dinner Roll
FRIDAY
Sloppy Joes, Potato Salad, Corn, Applesauce
GOSPER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
All meals are served with vegetables, fruit and a sweet item. Please call before 10 a.m. for your reservation 308-785-2500. Menu is subject to change without notice.
MONDAY
Chicken Fried Steak
TUESDAY
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Alfredo
THURSDAY
Salmon Patties
FRIDAY
Soup and Sandwich
ORGANIZATIONS
It Works Group: AA meetings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. at 303 E. Sixth St., in Lexington.
First Christin Church NA: meets Sundays at 7 p.m., Tuesdays at 8 p.m. 1206 N. Erie St., in Lexington.
Westside Group: AA/NA: open meeting on Monday and Friday nights from 7-8 p.m. Meetings are held at Grace Lutheran Church, 105 E. 17th St., Lexington, use the south door.
Women's Group: meets every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. on the second floor lounge at the Dawson County Courthouse (700 N. Washington St.)
Celebrate Recovery: Meetings at 7 p.m. on Fridays at Parkview Baptist Church’s Refuge Building (1105 Park St., Lexington) Contact: 308-324-4410.
Four Roads Group AA: meetings are held on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m., Fridays from 7-8 p.m. and Sundays from 7 p.m. at 1801 W. 18th St., in Lexington.
Grupo Lexington AA (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Saturdays from 8-9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon at 114 W. 6th St. in Lexington.
Group Nueva Vida Lexington (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. at 114 W. Eighth St., in Lexington.
Full of Grace: Meetings from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Nazarene Church at 919 H St., in Cozad.
Southview Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1804 Papio Lane in Cozad.
SMART Recovery meets at St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 905 East 13th St., Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m., Saturdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sumner AA Group: meets Sundays and Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. at 205 E. Fifth Avenue, in Sumner. For more information call 308-325-5827.
Bertrand Thurs Night Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Thursdays at Hope Lutheran Church, 74094 Road 436 in Smithfield. Call 308-785-3567 or 308-472-3376.
Odie Group AA/NA: meetings at 8 p.m. on Sundays in Elwood at 501 Calvert Avenue.
Pony Express Group AA: meetings are held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Gothenburg Evangelical Free Church (515 18th St.) in Gothenburg.
Thirsty Thursday by the Cemetery: Meetings held on Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church (2002 27th St.) in Gothenburg.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meetings are held the second Thursday each month at 2 p.m. at Lexington Regional Health Center (1201 N. Erie St., Lexington). For more information contact Dixie Menke at 308-325-5350.
Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Immunization Clinic, first and third Mondays every month: Open 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. by appointment at 931 W. Seventh St., Lexington. Previous vaccination records required. Contact 308-325-3436 or 308-325-3169.
Dawson/Gosper County CASA: seeking Volunteers. CASA Volunteers are everyday people from all walks of life, who advocate through the court system in the interests of children. Contact 308-324-7364.
