Nebraska City Volunteer firemen are still hoping arrangements can be made to invite about two dozen fire fighting units to town for a "Thank You" party for help with the Hotel Grand blaze.
Fire Chief Otto Berthold said it's a matter of money. Some contributions have been received, but as yet not enough to handle the cost to entertain an anticipated large number of firemen.
Similar contributions after the Wessel's fire of a few years ago financed that party held at Memorial Building.
The blizzard has pretty well slowed things down, but firemen are confident the party will be held soon. Perhaps that decision will be made at the annual Volunteer party Sunday night.
Didya know that
Harold Rowe of Rowe Motor company, 605 Central Avenue, has the blueprints completed for a new location for his car and service department. Location has been the problem, but indications are that will be solved soon. Ed Hunter and Nebraska Outerwear, 105½ South Eighth (above Newberry's) have about completed plans to move the factory to a new location. Announcement on that should come soon.
One of the "quiet" organizations in Nebraska City is hopeful that readers of this column who are in need of special help will take advantage of what could be labeled soul-service and join the ranks.
The Al-Anon, a family organization of the Alcoholics Anonymous, meets every week in a private home in town.
Alcoholism is a disease. One of the best cures seems to come from others afflicted by the same illness.
But there's a lot more.
What about the spouse? How about the children? There are answers and there is help.
The Al-Anons try to mold the family together to work out the problem. And a relatively new group, the Ala-Teens, is aimed at helping the children. Their meetings give them a chance to understand the problems of their parents.
The AA member is probably the best medicine for the drinker.
He knows what it's like to "dry out" and he speaks a language the newcomer understands. And he does it with courtesy and loyalty.
We use "he" only as a choice of words. Women are also in this program.
We've attended an AA meeting in Nebraska City. They asked only that we not print their names and then write a story about the group. We were impressed.
I learned for an example that time is measured by a drink. If one individual says his last was three drinks ago, we know he means three years ago. A man explained that he couldn't stop for a single drink and go home. "One drink is enough for you," he said. "I've got to have all the booze in the club."
The group puts a lot of humor into its sessions, but there is a definite spiritual guidance and the membership is quite open about that section. Prayers are an important part of every meeting.
A woman called at this desk the other day to ask that something be put in the paper about the Al-Anon organization. She asked not to be named, but said the service of the group is open to anyone who needs and wants help.
We do know the woman's name and if someone needs that help, we'll refer him to her and the organization.
The Elks are making plans.
Elks Lodge 1049 at Nebraska City may be making one of its most important steps in many years at the February 17 meeting.
The Elks membership will be asked at that meeting to vote on whether to remodel the present facility at Fifth Street and First Avenue, do nothing or plan for a new lodge on private property west of the new golf course.
It's quite an undertaking, Elks agree. For one thing there are a lot of dollars involved. Elks have accumulated a savings account to help with a down payment.
A longtime member of the Elks said the real decision was not entirely up to the "oldtimers". He said the debt will be facing the newer members and they are really the ones to be "saddled" and should carry the weight.
There was some talk also of a different location, on the triangular piece of land south of Steinhart along No. 2. One observer said that could require a tunnel under the highway. Another said, "why not? The tunnel could be rented to golf cart owners all winter."
This is the "Peace Symbol."
You've seen it in a dozen places. Children have drawn and colored it for Sunday school posters. The symbol is nothing new. In fact it was known centuries ago.
Reprints from the Oklahoma Mason were distributed at the recent VFW meeting. One of the veterans obtained several copies and distributed them in Nebraska City.
Here's what the Oklahoma Mason reported.
"The 'Peace Symbol' is not something that is the product of today's restless youth. It was well known back in the Middle Ages and was known either as the 'Crow's Foot' or the 'Witch's Foot.' Now are you ready for the real shock?
"It was (and is) the anti-Christ symbol.
"Look at it closely. What do you see? It is a broken cross turned upside down. Now do you see why it is a subtle sign of those who are opposed to Christianity?
"It is used today as a central part of the national symbolism of Communist Russia. It appears the Communists are winning their battle for the minds of our youth. They are making special efforts to capture the attention of today's youth in America. Many young people are familiar with the Peace Symbol and wear it as jewelry and even paint it on their cars."
The article stated further that the symbol is embroidered on jackets and other garments, is manufactured as a metal trinket and worn on a chain.
"Many young people wear it as a fad gadget, not realizing they are supporting the emblem of the anti-Christ, the broken cross."
The article stated that the Communists are "gleeful when they see this symbol worn by Americans."
"It is a mark of atheism."